Professor

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm..._kelley14.html

Quietly, almost wistfully, Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren addressed the media in a bare, cramped interview room following Seattle's 42-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Saturday.

Holmgren seemed more disappointed at the sudden end of the season than he was about the lopsided loss.

He genuinely likes his team. The players listen. They work hard in practice and play hard on weekends.

Unlike his earlier years here, Holmgren didn't go to bed at nights this season worrying if he would get an early-morning phone call informing him that one of his players was in the slammer or, worse, in the hospital.

These Hawks were grown-ups. They were professional. They were a pleasure to coach.

And because the core of this talented team will be returning next season, Holmgren's decision about his future becomes that much more difficult.

Every year about this time, the tortured soul-searching begins for Holmgren. Does he stay? Or does he go? Does he stay with this labor he loves? Or does he leave to see what else is out there?

Linebacker Julian Peterson mentioned, after the shellacking by the Packers, that Holmgren suffered from gall-bladder problems this season and that the stress of his job exacerbated his illness.

Certainly Holmgren will weigh all health issues against the pleasures of coaching this grown-up group when he decides his future.

As is his custom, Holmgren said after the weekend finale that he needs time to decompress, time with his wife, Kathy, away from football, so he can make the decision with a clear head.

I'm rooting for his return, although it's no sure thing.

Matt Hasselbeck is in his prime, and quarterback-maven Holmgren enjoys sculpting, coaching, cajoling smart, talented quarterbacks.

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