Former Browns coach, president named Hall of Fame semifinalists

Two who played major roles in Browns' revival named to group of 125

Former Cleveland Browns coach Butch Davis and team president Mike Holmgren are among 125 nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2023, the Hall of Fame announced Tuesday.

The list of nominees is pared down to 25 semifinalists in November. The 15 modern-era finalists are announced in January, and the Hall of Fame class is enshrined in August.

Davis led Browns to four straight playoff appearances

Davis, who went 44-52 in six seasons with the Browns, led them to the playoffs four straight times from 1999-02.

The Browns had not been to the playoffs since 1994 when Davis arrived. The Browns went 8-8 in his first season and made the playoffs as a wild card. They then went 11-5 in each of the next two seasons, winning the AFC North both times.

The Browns lost in the first round of the playoffs in 1999 and 2000 but won their first playoff game in 26 years with a 33-13 victory over the Pittsburgh Steeler in 2002.

Holmgren was Browns president for first return to playoffs

Holmgren was hired as Browns president in December 2010 and spent two seasons with the team.

The Browns went 4-12 in Holmgren's first season but improved to 10-6 in 2012 and returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

Holmgren was fired after the 2012 season and replaced by Joe Banner.