Mike Holmgren, the first coach to lead the Seahawks to the Super Bowl and a member of the team's Ring of Honor, took a big step towards enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Holmgren, who helped build the Seahawks and Packers into NFC powers, taking both teams to the Super Bowl, was named the coach finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2025.
Holmgren, who retired from coaching after the 2008 season, had a 161-111 record as a head coach for the Packers and Seahawks, as well as a 13-11 postseason record, taking the Packers to two Super Bowls, winning one, and the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl following a 13-3 2005 season.
Holmgren took those two teams to the playoffs a total of 12 times, winning eight division titles, and in both jobs, he helped turn around struggling franchises. For all their glory in the 1960s, the Packers hadn't enjoyed much success over a span of more than two decades before Holmgren arrived, reaching the playoffs just twice between their championship season in 1967 and Holmgren's arrival in 1992. Holmgren went on to reach the playoffs for six straight seasons from 1993-1998, reaching back-to-back Super Bowls, winning one.
Following that successful run, Holmgren joined the Seahawks in one of Paul Allen's first big moves as the new owner of the franchise, and just as he did in Green Bay, Holmgren led a quick turnaround in Seattle. Prior to Holmgren's arrival in 1999, the Seahawks had gone a decade without a playoff berth and hadn't had a winning record since 1990. The Seahawks won a division title in Holmgren's first season, then went the playoffs for five straight seasons from 2003-2007, winning four more NFC West titles and one NFC championship.
Holmgren's impact on the game extends beyond those two franchises, having also won a pair of Super Bowls as the offensive coordinator of the 49ers, and having built a coaching tree that includes multiple NFL head coaches, including Super Bowl-winning coaches Andy Reid and Jon Gruden. Holmgren was particularly renowned for his ability to help develop quarterbacks, including Hall of Famers Brett Favre and Steve Young, as well as Seahawks Ring of Honor member Matt Hasselbeck. Even Joe Montana, who was already one of the league's best quarterbacks before Holmgren joined the 49ers, credits his former offensive coordinator with helping him win a pair of MVP trophies later in his career.
"Mike Holmgren is one of the greatest coaches in NFL history, who belongs in the Hall of Fame," Montana wrote in a letter to the Pro Hall of Fame selection committee several years ago in 2019. "… Mike was like Bill Walsh in many ways, especially in the way he demanded perfection. He always pushed us to be perfect and those demands and his attention to detail helped make me and our offense better. The fact that he played quarterback only enhanced our relationship. When you have someone who has coached and played that position, when you come off the field you know the guy that you're going to be talking to is going to understand what you're going through. His method of being able to communicate as a player as much as a coach really made a difference for me."
Favre, who also wrote a letter of support for his former coach, said, "I know without a doubt I would not be where I am today without him. The three MVPs I was fortunate to win are a direct result of his coaching and leadership. He taught me how to play the QB position. He was brilliant as an offensive play-caller; the best I've ever seen."
And Young, who benefited from working with Holmgren early in his playing career, wrote, "Mike Holmgren really reflects all these great quarterback whisperers that are around the NFL today. They all come from that Mike Holmgren tree and the way he approached and coached the position. For me personally, I was a project. I wasn't easy to handle, and I had a lot of ways to do it. The fact that he was so successful with so many others says everything. I could see success with Joe and myself, but then he went to Brett, who is his own unique guy. It shows his athleticism as a coach that there's not one kind of quarterback that he can lead. I needed somebody who treated me as unique, who wasn't going to just lay his coaching principals on top of me, like a heavy blanket. He individualized his approach and I really appreciated that."
Holmgren is one of five finalists named by the Hall of Fame's Blue-Ribbon Committees on Tuesday along with Ralphy Hay (contributor) and Maxie Baughan, Sterling Sharpe and Jim Tyrer (seniors).
The Hall of Fame's selection committee will consider those five candidates at their annual meeting in New Orleans during Super Bowl LIX week, and up to three of the five will be selected for the Hall of Fame if they receive at least 80 percent of the vote. Each member of the selection committee may vote for only three of five finalists, and if none of the five receive 80 percent of the vote, then the one who receives the most votes will be elected to the Class of 2025.
Also still up for consideration are Seahawks Legends Earl Thomas and Ricky Watters, who are among the 25 semifinalists in the modern-era category. That group will be reduced to 15 finalists on December 28.
The Seahawks franchise will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025 so in honor of its 50th season, we are recognizing some of the greatest players to play in Seattle. The 12s have the opportunity to vote for the top 50 players in franchise history, with 163 players being eligible. Take a look at all 163 players that met the criteria for the vote and cast your ballots here.
Quarterback Trent Dilfer #4 (2001 - 2004).
Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck #8 (2001 - 2010).
Quarterback Brock Huard #11 (2000 - 2001).
Quarterback Jon Kitna #7 (1997 - 2000).
Quarterback Dave Krieg #17 (1980 - 1991).
Quarterback Rick Mirer #3 (1993 - 1996).
Quarterback Warren Moon #1 (1997 - 1998).
Quarterback Geno Smith #7 (2019 - Present).
Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 (2012 - 2021).
Quarterback Jim Zorn #10 (1976 - 1984).
Running back Shaun Alexander #37 (2000 - 2007).
Fullback Nick Bellore #44 (2019 - 2023).
Running back Steve Broussard #31 (1995 - 1998).
Running back Chris Carson #32 (2017 - 2021).
Kick returner Bobby Joe Edmunds (1986 - 1988).
Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 (2010 - 2015, 2019).
Fullback Michael Robinson #26 (2010 - 2013).
Running back Sherman Smith #47 (1976 - 1982).
Fullback Mack Strong #38 (1993 - 2007).
Running back Curt Warner #28 (1983 - 1989).
Running back Chris Warren #42 (1990 - 1997).
Kick returner Leon Washington #33 (2010 - 2012).
Running back Ricky Watters #32 (1998 - 2001).
Fullback John L. Williams #32 (1986 - 1993).
Tackle Steve August #76 (1977 - 1983).
Guard Edwin Bailey #65 (1981 - 1991).
Tackle Howard Ballard #75 (1994 - 1998).
Tackle Nick Bebout #63 (1976 - 1979).
Center Justin Britt #68 (2014 - 2019).
Tackle Duane Brown #76 (2017 - 2021).
Center Blair Bush #59 (1983 - 1988).
Tackle Ron Essink #64 (1980 - 1985).
Tackle Norm Evans #73 (1976 - 1978).
Center Grant Feasel #54 (1987 - 1992).
Center Chris Gray #62 (1998 - 2007).
Tackle Andy Heck #66 (1989 - 1992).
Guard Steve Hutchinson #76 (2001 - 2005).
Guard Germain Ifedi #65 (2016 - 2019).
Tackle Walter Jones #71 (1997 - 2008).
Guard Pete Kendall #66 (1996 - 2000).
Guard Damien Lewis #68 (2020 - 2023)
Tackle Sean Locklear #75 (2004 - 2011).
Guard Tom Lynch #61 (1977 - 1980).
Tackle Ron Mattes #70 (1986 - 1990).
Center Kevin Mawae #52 (1994 - 1997).
Guard Bryan Millard #71 (1984 - 1991).
Tackle Bob Newton #78 (1976 - 1981).
Tackle Russell Okung #76 (2010 - 2015).
Guard Robert Pratt #61 (1982 - 1985).
Tackle Ray Roberts #73 (1992 - 1995).
Center Chris Spencer #65 (2005 - 2010).
Guard J.R. Sweezy #64 (2012 - 2015, 2018).
Center Robbie Tobeck #61 (2000 - 2006).
Center Max Unger #60 (2009 - 2014).
Tackle Mike Wilson #75 (1986 - 1989).
Guard Floyd Womack #77 (2001 - 2008).
Center John Yarno #51 (1977 - 1982).
Wide receiver Doug Baldwin #89 (2011 - 2018).
Wide receiver Alex Bannister #85 (2001 - 2005).
Wide receiver Brian Blades #89 (1988 - 1998).
Wide receiver Nate Burleson #81 (2006 - 2009).
Wide receiver Bobby Engram #84 (2001 - 2008).
Wide receiver Joey Galloway #84 (1995 - 1999).
Wide receiver Darrell Jackson #82 (2000 - 2006).
Wide receiver Paul Johns #85 (1981 - 1984).
Wide receiver Jermaine Kearse #15 (2012 - 2016).
Wide receiver Steve Largent #80 (1976 - 1989).
Wide receiver Tyler Lockett #16 (2015 - Present).
Wide receiver Sam McCullum #84 (1976 - 1981).
Wide receiver DK Metcalf #14 (2019 - Present).
Wide receiver Koren Robinson #81 (2001 - 2004, 2008).
Wide receiver Golden Tate #81 (2010 - 2013).
Tight end John Carlson #89 (2008 - 2010).
Tight end Will Dissly #89 (2018 - 2023).
Tight end Christian Fauria #86 (1995 - 2001).
Tight end Jimmy Graham #88 (2015 - 2017).
Tight end Mike Tice #87 (1981- 1988, 1990-1991).
Defensive tackle Sam Adams #98 (1994 - 1999).
Defensive end Cliff Avril #56 (2013 - 2017).
Defensive end Michael Bennett #72 (2013 - 2017).
Defensive tackle Rocky Bernard #99 (2002 - 2008).
Defensive end Red Bryant #79 (2008 - 2013).
Defensive end Jeff Bryant #77 (1982 - 1993).
Defensive end Chris Clemons #91 (2010 - 2013).
Defensive tackle Poona Ford #97 (2018 - 2022).
Defensive end Jacob Green #79 (1980 - 1991).
Defensive tackle Robert Hardy #75 (1979 - 1982).
Defensive end Bruce Irvin #51 (2012 - 2015, 2020, 2022).
Defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy #96 (1990 - 2000).
Defensive end Patrick Kerney #97 (2007 - 2009).
Defensive tackle Brandon Mebane #92 (2007 - 2015).
Defensive tackle Joe Nash #72 (1982 - 1996).
Defensive tackle John Randle #93 (2001 - 2003).
Defensive tackle Jarran Reed #91 (2016 - 2020, 2023 - Present).
Defensive end Michael Sinclair #70 (1992 - 2001).
Defensive tackle Manu Tuiasosopo #74 (1979 - 1983).
Safety Jamal Adams #33 (2020 - 2023).
Safety Jordan Babineaux #27 (2004 - 2010).
Safety Jay Bellamy #20 (1994 - 2000).
Safety Robert Blackmon #25 (1990 - 1996).
Cornerback Dave Brown #22 (1976 - 1986).
Cornerback Brandon Browner #39 (2011 - 2013).
Safety Kam Chancellor #31 (2010 - 2017).
Safety Quandre Diggs #6 (2019 - 2023).
Safety Kenny Easley #45 (1981 - 1987)
Seahawks safety Deon Grant #24 (2007 - 2009).
Cornerback Carlton Gray #26 (1993 - 1996).
Cornerback Shaquill Griffin #26 (2017 - 2020).
Safety Ken Hamlin #26 (2003 - 2006).
Cornerback Dwayne Harper #29 (1988 -1993).
Safety John Harris #44 (1978 - 1985).
Cornerback Patrick Hunter #27 (1986 - 1994).
Cornerback Roy Lewis #34 (2009 - 2011).
Safety Julian Love #20 (2023 - Present).
Seahawks cornerback Ken Lucas #31 (2001 - 2004, 2009).
Safety Eugene Robinson #41 (1985 - 1995).
Cornerback Richard Sherman #25 (2011 - 2017).
Safety Keith Simpson #42 (1978 - 1985).
Cornerback Shawn Springs #24 (1997 - 2003).
Cornerback Terry Taylor #24 (1984 - 1988, 1994).
Safety Earl Thomas #29 (2010 - 2018).
Safety Reggie Tongue #25 (2000 - 2003).
Cornerback Marcus Trufant #23 (2003 - 2012).
Cornerback Willie Williams #27 (1997 - 2003).
Safety Darryl Williams #33 (1996 - 1999).
Seahawks cornerback Josh Wilson #26 (2007 - 2009).
Cornerback Devon Witherspoon #21 (2023 - Present).
Cornerback Riq Woolen #27 (2022 - Present).
Linebacker Terry Beeson #58 (1977 - 1981).
Linebacker Jordyn Brooks #56 (2020 - 2023).
Linebacker Chad Brown #94 (1997 - 2004).
Linebacker Keith Butler #53 (1978 - 1987)
Linebacker Leroy Hill #56 (2005 - 2012).
Linebacker Michael Jackson #55 (1979 - 1986).
Linebacker Winston Moss #55 (1995 - 1997).
Linebacker Julian Peterson #98 (2006 - 2008).
Linebacker Rufus Porter #97 (1988 - 1994).
Linebacker Bruce Scholtz #58 (1982 - 1988).
Linebacker Anthony Simmons #51 (1998 - 2004).
Linebacker Malcolm Smith #53 (2011 - 2014).
Linebacker Lofa Tatupu #51 (2005 - 2010).
Linebacker Bobby Wagner #54 (2012 - 2021, 2023).
Linebacker Dean Wells #95 (1993 - 1998).
Linebacker Terry Wooden #90 (1990 - 1996).
Linebacker Tony Woods #57 (1987 - 1992).
Linebacker K.J. Wright #50 (2011 - 2020).
Linebacker Dave Wyman #92 (1987 - 1992).
Linebacker Fredd Young #50 (1984 - 1987).
Kicker Josh Brown #3 (2003 - 2007).
Punter Michael Dickson #4 (2018 - Present).
Punter Jeff Feagles #10 (1998 - 2002).
Kicker Steven Hauschka #4 (2011 - 2016).
Kicker Efren Herrera #1 (1978 - 1981).
Kicker Norm Johnson #9 (1982 - 1990).
Kicker John Kasay #4 (1991 - 1994).
Kicker Olindo Mare #10 (2008 - 2010).
Kicker Jason Myers #5 (2019 - Present).
Long snapper Tyler Ott #69 (2016 - 2022).
Kicker Todd Peterson #2 (1995 - 1999).
Punter Jon Ryan #9 (2008 - 2017).
Punter Rick Tuten #14 (1991 - 1997).
Punter Herman Weaver #18 (1977 - 1980).
Punter Jeff West #8 (1981 - 1985).
