Packers general manager Ron Wolf has acknowledged that the team contacted Schottenheimer about the vacancy created by the firing of Ray Rhodes.

"Who wouldn't want to investigate Marty Schottenheimer?" Wolf said in a statement. "He has been a very successful coach. This is an extensive search."

The news came shortly after Schottenheimer, who resigned as Chiefs coach in January 1999, said he wasn't interested in talking to Wolf. The Chiefs have said any team interested in talking to Schottenheimer has to work out a compensation plan should he be hired, since his contract extends through 2000.

Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Mike Sherman also is among the prospects mentioned for the Green Bay job, as is Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer. But Beamer said he's not interested.

Wolf reportedly has received permission to interview Sherman about the job.

Sherman was on the Green Bay staff from 1997-98 as tight ends coach and assistant offensive line coach. He followed former Green Bay coach Mike Holmgren to Seattle last January.

Sherman just finished his first season as an NFL offensive coordinator, but with Holmgren calling the plays. Sherman was Texas A&M's offensive coordinator for one year before joining the Green Bay staff.

As for Beamer, he reportedly had a long talk with Wolf about the Packers post, but Virginia Tech officials released a statement Friday in which Beamer said, "There is no indication that Green Bay has a strong interest in me."

"I am honored that my name has been mentioned with a great organization like the Packers, but at this time I do not have an interest in professional football," Beamer said. "I plan to stay and continue to build the football program at Virginia Tech."

Wolf also received permission to talk to San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and former New England Patriots defensive coordinator Steve Sidwell, but Sidwell was made the Seahawks coordinator Wednesday.

Mike Martz, offensive coordinator of the St. Louis Rams, is another possibility, though the Packers can't contact him until the Rams' season ends. St. Louis plays Minnesota Sunday in the NFL playoffs.