Holmgren leans toward Browns

Football: Mike Holmgren looked for houses during his recent trip to Cleveland, which may soon be his new NFL home.

Terming a chance to assume control of the struggling but tradition-rich Browns as “very, very appealing,” Holmgren said Friday that he’s weighing owner Randy Lerner’s job offer and intends to give Cleveland a decision on his future “sooner than later.”

As for Seattle, Holmgren may have finally said goodbye.

The Super Bowl-winning coach, who spent two days meeting with Lerner earlier this week, said during his radio show on Seattle’s KJR that he liked everything he learned about the Browns during a two-day visit. The former coach of the Seahawks and Green Bay Packers sounded as if he’s leaning toward accepting a chance to rebuild the Browns, who have been devoid of anyone of Holmgren’s clout since returning to the league in 1999.

Holmgren praised Lerner and the Browns’ organization. He complimented embattled coach Eric Mangini. He said he hasn’t had much time to study quarterback Brady Quinn. About the only thing Holmgren didn’t say about the Browns was: I accept.

Associated Press

Injured Curry plans to play

Football: Despite barely being able to walk earlier this week, rookie Aaron Curry will be able to play for the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

Curry is probable after fully participating in practice the last two days with a hip pointer injury.

Curry was injured late in the fourth quarter of the Seahawks’ 34-7 loss to the Houston Texans. Curry was trying to get off a block to tackle Texans running back Arian Foster when teammate David Hawthorne came flying in and put his helmet in Curry’s right hip.

Associated Press

Mariners sign Langerhans

Baseball: Outfielder Ryan Langerhans agreed to a $525,000, one-year deal with the Seattle Mariners, just days after he became a free agent when the team failed to offer a 2010 contract.

Langerhans was acquired from Washington last June for infielder Mike Morse and hit .235 with three homers and 10 RBIs in 101 at-bats. He hit game-ending home runs against Tampa Bay on Aug. 7 and Oakland on Aug. 25.

Associated Press