Seahawks Won’t Get Chance At Holmgren

The Green Bay Packers’ Super Bowl loss may have been just the beginning.

The Packers have six starters who are unrestricted free agents, including running back Dorsey Levens and cornerback Doug Evans - the team’s top off-season priorities - and several more who are restricted free agents, notably receiver Antonio Freeman and fullback William Henderson.

Then, there’s coach Mike Holmgren, who’s made no secret of his desire to be a coach and general manager. Many thought he would be a perfect fit in Seattle. He may not get a chance to find out.

Seahawks president Bob Whitsitt was expected to make runs at Packers GM Ron Wolf and Holmgren to become general manager in Seattle. But Packers club president Bob Harlan said he expects to deny Whitsitt permission to talk to Holmgren.

And Wolf, who disgustedly called his team a “one-year wonder” after its stunning 31-24 loss to Denver on Sunday night, has told the Seahawks he’s not interested in a similar post in Seattle.

Green Bay offensive coordinator Sherm Lewis wants to talk about Dallas, and he got that chance in a 2-hour meeting Monday morning with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who is looking for a coach to replace Barry Switzer.

“Basically, just a get-to-know-you; I like to call it a preliminary type of interview,” Lewis told the AP.

He said he didn’t know if he’d get a follow-up interview, but felt he could work with the hands-on Jones.

“I was impressed with the guy and his ‘up-frontness.’ I thought he was very honest and candid about his views,” Lewis said. “There’s no question he likes to be involved, but that’s not all bad if you’re an owner, you know?”

Wolf said it’s unrealistic to expect everybody to be back.

“This is like baseball now, where 40 percent of your roster turns over from season to season,” he said. “But I’m hoping to keep the core of our team together. Certainly, with this new salary cap, it should help us.”

Other Packers starters who can cash in on the open market are receiver Robert Brooks, guard Aaron Taylor, safety Eugene Robinson and defensive end Gabe Wilkins.

Battling DeBartolos

Denise DeBartolo York may force a sale of the San Francisco 49ers if brother Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. is indicted and convicted of federal gambling fraud charges in Louisiana, the San Francisco Chronicle reported, citing sources close to the family it didn’t identify.

DeBartolo York, who owns a share equal to her brother’s in the franchise, has been involved in a power struggle with DeBartolo Jr. that threatens the team’s new $525 million stadium and retail development, the paper said.

She took over as the team’s chairman Dec. 2, replacing her brother.

The Chronicle said DeBartolo Jr. and his sister haven’t yet signed the restructuring proposal.

The 49ers and DeBartolo Corp. each declined comment on the Chronicle’s story. The NFL hasn’t said if it would force DeBartolo Jr. to divest himself of the 49ers if he were convicted. DeBartolo Jr. resigned as the team’s chairman after two Louisiana newspapers reported he’d received a “target letter” from federal prosecutors in Louisiana, informing him he was about to be charged with gambling fraud stemming from his attempt to obtain a gaming license in Louisiana.

Billick to present case

Brian Billick, the Minnesota offensive coordinator attempting to leave the Vikings for Dallas, will present his case today to lawyers for NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue.

Billick resigned Thursday with one year left on his contract, but Vikings president Roger Headrick asked the league Friday to review whether Billick is allowed to work for another team this season.

Tagliabue said Billick’s situation is clear-cut and the assistant coach will not be permitted to take another job in 1998. On Saturday, Billick requested a hearing from league officials.

“Obviously, I’m going to get the chance to explain my side,” Billick said. “At this point, only Roger Headrick’s side has been heard.”

Around the league

Ex-Oakland Raiders coach Joe Bugel was hired as offensive line coach of the San Diego Chargers… . The New York Jets hired Dan Henning as quarterbacks coach, replacing Ron Erhardt, who retired this month.