Wolf Says There’s No Job Window for Holmgren

Green Bay Packer General Manager Ron Wolf says there is no 21-day window in Coach Mike Holmgren’s contract that allows him to shop for work elsewhere as coach and general manager.

“I don’t know what that’s in reference to,” Wolf said of a story in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “I don’t have any idea.”

The newspaper reported Thursday that an addendum attached to Holmgren’s contract earlier this year would give him 21 days to pursue such a job, and said Wolf had stated that was a one-time arrangement that will not be included in any extension.

Wolf denied that report.

Holmgren’s agent, Bob LaMonte, was quoted by the Journal Sentinel as saying it was crucial that Holmgren be given the opportunity to seek a dual role even if he were to sign a contract extension, reportedly worth about $3 million a year, that has been on the table for months.

When told that LaMonte said it is essential for Holmgren to have permission “to do different things in the future,” the Journal Sentinel said Wolf stated: “Well then, I guess we won’t get that done.”

The Post-Crescent of Appleton quoted Wolf as saying that any decision on Holmgren would have to be made fast.

“There will be a time frame because I can’t get caught short-handed here,” he was quoted as saying. “We’re willing to stand up to our word, but we can’t be left hanging in the wind.”

Wolf also was quoted by The Post-Crescent as saying he would not relinquish any of his personnel duties in order to entice Holmgren to stay.

Holmgren, saying he wants to concentrate on preparing for the playoffs, has avoided discussing whether he will stay with the Packers. His contract with Green Bay runs through the 1999 season.

“Unless something came along that was so painfully obvious that any human would have to take it, I don’t see how a guy would leave,” LaMonte said. “Knowing what I know today, I believe he’s going to stay in Green Bay.”