Former NFL coach Mike Holmgren has revealed that he will be supporting the Seattle Seahawks in their NFC championship match against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

Holmgren has strong ties to both teams having grown up in San Francisco and spent six seasons as an assistant coach with the 49ers before going on to enjoy a 10-year spell with the Seahawks.

The 65-year-old is pleased that the 49ers have made it this far but, despite his childhood connections, he placed himself firmly in the Seahawks' camp.

"Well, I'm pulling for the Seahawks but I'm happy the 49ers are in because I think they are the two best teams and that's the best game," Holmgren told The AP.

"A couple of my colleagues at the radio station, I'm going to have to talk them off the ledge this week but I think it's the best game and the teams know each other. There's a lot of good stories from this game. It's a good week."

Holmgren won two Super Bowls while at the 49ers and reached another during his time in charge of the Seahawks.