Mike Holmgren signed an eight-year deal worth an
"estimated" $32M to become Exec VP, GM and coach of the
Seahawks, according to Mike Sando of the Tacoma NEWS-
TRIBUNE. The deal makes him the NFL's highest-paid coach
and marks "one of the most significant and high-profile
moves" in Seattle "sports history." Seahawks Owner Paul
Allen and Holmgren "sealed" the deal after Allen "played
host to a dinner at his expansive Mercer Island compound
Thursday" (Tacoma NEWS-TRIBUNE, 1/10). ESPN's Chris
Mortensen reported that Allen "was not going to let Mike
Holmgren get on a private jet to go back and visit with Art
Modell, who was ready to give Holmgren a blank check. In
essence, $40 million over eight years is like a blank check.
Mike Holmgren fell in love with the new stadium plans for
the Seahawks, he knows there is good personnel on board and
geographically it's very desirable" ("SportsCenter," 1/8).
IMPACT AT THE BOX OFFICE: After Friday's announcement,
the Seahawks sold "more than" 850 season-ticket packages
(NEWS-TRIBUNE, 1/10). In the 2 1/2 days since the hiring,
the Seahawks took deposits on 1,775 new season tickets for
next season, despite seat prices not being set. The team
opened its ticket office over the weekend and took "nearly"
1,000 ticket orders in two days (SEATTLE TIMES, 1/11).
