Mike Holmgren Wants NFL Return: 49ers in 2010?

This rumor is a few days old, but it got me thinking already about next year and the team's front office. Mark Maske of the Washington Post reported that former Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren has already contemplated a return to the NFL.

Holmgren left the Seahawks after this past season to take a break from coaching. Apparently the break will be over in 2010.

The idea for Holmgren is that he might want to return to coaching or work some position in the front office. For next year's coaching carousel, he joins Mike Shanahan, Bill Cowher, and Jon Gruden as other Super Bowl-winning head coaches on the market.

Maybe coaching isn't for him after all. He might want to enjoy some behind the scenes work in the front office. That's where the 49ers come in.

It would be nice for Holmgren to return to San Francisco (his hometown) and the start of his NFL career. From 1986-1991, Holmgren molded the 49ers offense into a powerhouse.

After working as a quarterbacks coach under Bill Walsh, Holmgren took over the offense under George Seifert. I must say that winning two Super Bowls in that time period while coaching Joe Montana and Steve Young must have been pretty nice for him.

A return to San Francisco as part of the front office will definitely be welcomed. Unlike in Seattle, where Holmgren tried to balance general manager and head coach duties at the same time, Holmgren could focus on one.

Unless something major happens, Holmgren could be well suited to be the new general manager. But current general manager Scot McCloughan is still banking on this season to prove that his draft picks and his contract decisions will work out.

It's still too far ahead to think about Mike Holmgren's destination in 2010. Between now and then, he could change his mind and stay at home with his family. Or maybe if he does want to return, he wants to do it as a coach. There are a lot of things that have to factor in, and it's way too soon to tell.

But let's say Holmgren has a chance to work for the 49ers again; I would like to see it if it makes sense for the team.