Sports Then and Now

Browns team president, Mike Holmgren addressed the media for the first time today.

New Cleveland Browns President, Mike Holmgren addressed the media for the first time today.  This is his first day on the job and he hit the ground running.

He has a lot of work ahead of him.

Decisions on his coaching staff especially head coach Eric Mangini.

The signing of Josh Cribbs.

Bringing the Cleveland Browns back to respectability and to a Super Bowl.

Holmgren brought the cities of Green Bay (1-1) and Seattle (0-1) Super Bowl appearances and has one Lombardi trophy on his resume.

He has rebuilt franchises and there is no reason he can’t do it in Cleveland.

As a team executive, you need to be able to speak to the media and keep them abreast of the workings of the team.

He did a stellar job in his first press conference. Holmgren had the media in the palm of his hand.

As a Cleveland Browns fan, he is making me drink the kool aid.

Below are some excerpts from his first press conference as Cleveland Browns team president.

Holmgren said that he “missed the game” and was up for a “new challenge” in Cleveland.  He likes to “rebuild things.”

Holmgren also emphasized how important it is that everyone is on the same page in the organization.

He said, “The coach, the position I am in, and the GM need to be on the same wavelength.”

“Egos get in the way and destroys teams”, he added.

Even with a strong finish, head coach Eric Mangini's job is in jeopardy.

Regarding Eric Mangini, Holmgren mentioned that he had “a meeting” with Mangini, but not “the meeting”.  “The meeting” would take place on Wednesday and that he would like to make a decision by the end of the week.

He said that “He will not coach the team and that he will hire coaches to coach.”

On other front office openings, Holmgren stated that he had, “GM candidates lined up.”

Holmgren described his style to approach these tasks at hand, “I don’t dance and I appreciate those who shoot straight.”

As a fan, Holmgren seemed genuine and passionate about making the Browns competitive once again and from his resume, how can you doubt him?

He didn’t side step questions and told the media to let him do his job first.

Holmgren was very charismatic and joking with reporters. He chuckled, “I got rid of all my snow equipment when I left Green Bay.”

The hiring of Mike Holmgren has laid the foundation for a bright future in Cleveland. Now ownership must not pull a Jerry Jones and let him do the job he was hired to do.

After a strong finish in 2009, the Browns will be headed in the right direction in 2010 with Mr. Holmgren at the helm.