Former San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren has expressed his excitement ahead of Sunday's AFC championship game between the two teams.

Holmgren spent six seasons as an assistant coach with the 49ers before moving to Seattle later in his career, where he spent 10 years as head coach, leading them to a Super Bowl.

However, this year he will be observing as a fan rather than a coach, and he is determined to enjoy the occasion.

"It is different. Very different. I'm going to enjoy it. I'm going to enjoy every moment of it. When you're in it, you would like to say you're enjoying it but you're nervous about everything," Holmgren told The AP.

"It's exciting and that's what you coach for and all of that, but it's a different perspective for me and I'm looking forward to the excitement of it all.

"I must admit, now, when I was coaching, maybe because I never got out of the building very much during the week, you're aware of the fans and the excitement in the city but now you're really aware."

Despite his connections with both teams, Holmgren has placed himself firmly in the Seahawks' camp ahead of the match.