KIRKLAND, Wash. – Mike Holmgren says 2008 will be his last season as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, and he doesn't plan to coast into retirement.

"This will be my last year and we're going to make it the best year…ever.  And we're going to work very, very hard to finish the job that I hoped to do when I first came and that's to get to the Super Bowl and win one," said Holmgren.

The Seahawks' all-time winningest coach returned to the team's Kirkland headquarters Tuesday after spending six days in Arizona with his wife, Kathy, to discuss whether to come back.

"I'm happy to say that Kathy and I came to a decision this weekend to finish my contract and we're very, very happy about it," said Holmgren, who says he plans to take some time off after this upcoming season ends.

Holmgren told reporters that part of his decision was to show respect for the organization and owner Paul Allen.

"I've reached this point of my career where, at the end of the season, I am shot and it's not fair to anybody," said Holmgren about the week he spent coming to his decision.

As for who will be Holmgren's successor, the Seahawks aren't saying yet.

"You're asking the wrong guy.  That's for another press conference and I won't be there," said Holmgren.

Assistant Head Coach/Secondary Coach Jim Mora is speculated to be the heir-apparent to Holmgren. Mora last week turned down an offer to become head coach of the Washington Redskins. Holmgren said Mora's job on the coaching staff will not change in 2008.

So is Holmgren worried his players will look at this as a lame duck season?

"I think players – they play for their teammates, they play for the team, they play for themselves.  I'm not sure how much they play for their coach," said a humble Holmgren. "When the gun goes off and they're playing, they're thinking about a lot of other things, and who is the head coach is probably the last thing on their mind."

When asked if he had talked to quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, Holmgren said "I have not talked to Matt.  He's probably filming a Chunky Soup commercial or something."

The Seahawks are coming off their fourth-consecutive NFC West title.  They fell to the Green Bay Packers 42-20 in the divisional round of the playoffs.

Holmgren has a 170-110 career record, including his time in Green Bay.  He needs only one more win to tie Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs.  Holmgren is 86-68 in nine seasons with Seattle and led them to Super Bowl XL, a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He went to two Super Bowls with the Packers, winning Super Bowl XXXI.

The Seahawks face several pressing questions about their personnel in the off-season. Fans have debated whether the offensive line or Shaun Alexander are to blame for a mediocre running game. The Seahawks also has to figure out if they can keep defensive back Marcus Trufant, who is now a free agent coming off a Pro Bowl season.

Holmgren also announced some coaching changes, including Keith Gilbertson to wide receivers coach.

"Some of you might say 'you've got to be kidding me,'" said Holmgren to a room full of laughing reporters. Holmgren cited Gilbertson's knowledge of the passing game.  Holmgren said the defensive coaching staff will mostly stay intact.

"For the first time in my career, you're going to see fake punts.  You're going to see double-reverse passes, onside kicks and don't be surprised by anything.  This is my last go-round.  I'm going for it," joked Holmgren.