American football: Coaching legend bringing best to NZ

Mike Holmgren was meant to coach a team at the Southern Bowl. Photo / Getty

After a 40-year coaching career in which he won three Super Bowls and moulded some of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, Mike Holmgren will in March prowl the sidelines at Eden Park and Westpac Stadium as part of the inaugural Southern Bowl.

Holmgren spoke to the Herald from the United States, discussing Jarryd Hayne, Johnny Manziel and what play he would have called to end this year's Super Bowl.

How did this job come about?

One of the hardest things for me to do once I retired was to watch the games on Sunday and not be coaching any more. Because I loved it - the players, the chess match, calling plays. Then, this past year, my wife and I were putting together a bucket list and going to New Zealand was one thing we wanted to do. About two weeks later, I got this opportunity. I said, 'pinch me, this is too good to be true'.

What level of football can fans look forward to?

When I had to cut guys and get down to the 53-man roster, having had 90 guys come to camp, some good football players were released. So this is really attractive to me, because it allows these guys another look. There are going to be scouts watching these games and just seeing how these young men conduct themselves, because this is a group that was in the last cut. So I think it's going to be really good football.

What have you made of Jarryd Hayne's impact in the NFL?

It's nothing short of amazing. Rugby league's a physical game but the NFL is a little bit different, and to have him do as well as he has is testament to his athleticism and toughness. And it's a great story. When he came people didn't think he had much of a chance. They thought, 'this is nice but it's probably not going to work'. And he's proven them wrong.

Touching on some of your former teams, what have you made of Johnny Manziel at the Cleveland Browns?

The way he played the game in college - because he's not the biggest guy - was a little wild and reckless. But very effective. Now he's come into the NFL and I don't see his type of game transferring over easily. I'm pulling for him, I hope he does it, but I think he's got a long road ahead of him.

How lucky were your Packers to transition from Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers?

I also went through that when I was coaching with the 49ers, when Joe Montana left and Steve Young came along, and both wound up in the Hall of Fame. Indianapolis are probably in the same category, with Peyton Manning and now Andrew Luck. If a franchise can pull that one off, they have something special.

How have you enjoyed Seattle's success under Russell Wilson?

The greatest thing about him is he's a fine young man. And he's another example of a guy beating the odds. A lot of people said he was too short to play in the NFL but he has proven everyone wrong. And he will get nothing but better.

Last question: would you have handed off the ball to Marshawn Lynch to end this year's Super Bowl?

I have a radio show in Seattle and I don't want to sound like the old coach with all the answers, but I would have done one of two things. I would have either handed him the ball, or faked handing him the ball - because the whole world thought he was going to get it - and let Russell run outside and make a play with his legs.

*For more information and ticketing options, check out the Southern Bowl website