[bahoena]

Okay, I was rooting for the Hawks, even had a couple bets on the them. And being a Packer fan, I was 100% behind Holmgren (and Hassleback, an ex Packer).

But after that game, bad calls or not, I've lost all respect for the guy.

Can anyone tell me if he actually shook Cowher's hand after the game?

[wvuauthor]

I am trying to think back as I was too excited to pay attention to the handshake, and I cannot say I remember the two coaches exchanging words after the game.

This is not to say it did not happen, but if Holmgren did not offer his congratulations he should be ashamed. Both teams played a tough game. Sure, there were some questionable calls, but that is going to happen.

Does anyone else recall a handshake or the two coaches meeting on the field after the game?

[Lefty Noob]

There was no post-game handshake, but ESPN reported that the two coaches spoke on the phone a few hours later. As an aside, he clearly lost his composure during that game. Remember when they tried to snag him for a halftime interview? He ignored the question and brought up the refs then too. I bet that had something to do with the terrible 2-minute drill, too. Coach didn't have his head in the game; that's not good for a team's chances.

[DrCool]

Actually the coaches were supposed to meet at the 25 yard line after the game to shake hands but it was never specified which 25. Holmgren went to one, Cowher to the other. When Holmgren realized that Cowher was at the other end of the field it was too late since the field was swamped with reporters, players, etc. They did meet up in the locker room area though.

[bahoena]

Dr. Cool, thanks for clearing that one up. I never saw the confusion there and just heard that Cowher was waiting for the handshake, and there was no Holmgren to be seen.

So he earns back a little respect, but I still think he handled the whole situation pretty poorly. The Hawks got screwed a few times, but they still had their oppurtunites. Bad calls will always be part of the game, but if Holmgren had focused more on the game and less on those bad calls, things would have turned out differently.

Now I owe my dad and bro each a case of beer.