Holmgren says he wants to continue

KIRKLAND — Mike Holmgren would like to continue coaching after 2006, and the Seahawks would like him to continue doing it for them.

"I would like to, and I think they want me to, so we'll see," Holmgren said Thursday after the team's final practice of minicamp.

It marked the first time Holmgren has said he would like to keep coaching despite being asked about it several times since the end of the 2005 season.

"I'm feeling good about stuff," Holmgren said.

It appears a deal will soon be worked out to keep the 57-year-old coach in Seattle. Holmgren's agent, Bob LaMonte, was in town to talk with team executives about a contract extension earlier this week. Holmgren's eight-year contract expires after the 2006 season.

"It's a little premature still," Holmgren said. "But I like the fact that everyone is talking and everyone is still pretty civil with one another."

Holmgren reiterated that he and his wife, Kathy, like the area and that he would like to stay in Seattle. He just needed some time after last season to sort out his future.

Team owner Paul Allen and president Tim Ruskell have stated their desire to extend Holmgren's contract. The coach had been in no hurry to make a decision while he recuperated from the strain of the long season, taking vacations in Arizona and Hawaii to clear his mind.

"I love being on the field with the players. I think I'll always love that," Holmgren said last month.

Family has played a major role in Holmgren's decision-making process. He has spoken publicly about spending more time with his wife, children and grandchildren. Holmgren has contemplated leaving the game or possibly going where he can be a general manager again.

Hired as executive vice president, coach and general manager in 1999, Holmgren gave up the general-manager role after the 2002 season. On Thursday, he wouldn't directly answer a question about being interested in the dual coach-GM role again.

"Why don't we deal with this down the road a little bit?" Holmgren said with a chuckle. "Any time I comment on that one way or the other, somehow stuff happens that I can't control."

Whatever happens, the coach would like to have everything worked out long before the season starts — even though he doesn't think it will be a distraction to the team.

José Miguel Romero: 206-464-2409 or jromero@seattletimes.com