Mike Holmgren Interested in 49ers' Head Coaching Job

An offseason exodus of notable players and the firing of head coach Jim Harbaugh made the 2015 season unlikely to be a good one for the San Francisco 49ers, so their 4-11 record heading into the regular season finale is not surprising. The status of first-year head coach Jim Tomsula is worth wondering about at least, and if he is fired a notable name may again throw his hat in the ring to be 49ers’ head coach.

Per Robert Klemko of MMQB:

Coaching carousel wild card: Per source, Mike Holmgren has, for the second time in as many years, expressed interest in the 49ers HC job.

— Robert Klemko (@RobertKlemko) December 28, 2015

And Dave Mahler of 950 KJR in response:

@RobertKlemko FYI: Mike has been very open about that. Said many times on our air he would talk with them — Dave Softy Mahler (@Softykjr) December 28, 2015

@RobertKlemko he’s up for talking about all of it. Wanted the HC job after Harbaugh, never got a call

— Dave Softy Mahler (@Softykjr) December 28, 2015

Holmgren obviously comes with significant name recognition and a very good resume, with 161-111 regular season record over 17 seasons as head coach of the Green Bay Packers (1992-1998) and Seattle Seahawks (1999-2008).  He won XXXI with the Packers, and made two more Super Bowl appearances as a head coach with a combined playoff record of 13-11.

Holmgren also has a history with the 49ers, as quarterbacks coach (1986-1988) and offensive coordinator (1989-1991) before becoming Packers’ head coach. Most recently Holmgren had a dismal stint as president of the Cleveland Browns from 2010-2012, and he admitted last April that he should have coached the team.

The 49ers lost out on a great head coaching candidate a year ago, due to their insistence that Adam Gase keep Tomsula on his staff as defensive coordinator. A similar demand would surely not be placed on Holmgren, assuming the job is available, but it’s hard to see a coach with his resume wanting to work for the Yorks and possibly general manager Trent Baalke if talks get serious about a return to San Francisco.

Brad Berreman is a Senior Writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter.