By Roger Phillips STAFF WRITER

SANTA CLARA -- Jim Mora has been in the San Francisco 49ers organization for six years, the last four of those as defensive coordinator.

Still, he says that as he contends for the 49ers' head-coaching job, there is still room for him to get to know owner John York and general manager Terry Donahue better on a personal level.

And so, on the occasion of his second interview for the job Thursday, the 41-year-old Mora spent time getting acquainted with his bosses.

"It was fun," he said.

Mora became the second of the three known finalists for the job to get a second interview. New York Jets defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell, according to some sources considered to be the front-runner to replace the fired Steve Mariucci, had his second interview Wednesday. Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Greg Blache is scheduled for his second interview today.

Asked where he thinks he stands in the coaching sweepstakes, Mora said, "As long as I'm still in it I've got a chance. I'm not going to take my hat out of the ring."

Mora said that if hired, his vision of the 49ers would be for them to be more aggressive on both sides of the ball. He said he's talked with numerous players on the team, including quarterback Jeff Garcia and receiver Terrell Owens.

Mora also said his relationship with the quarterback is not frayed, despite Garcia's recent critical comments regarding the 49ers' coaching search.

"Jeff and I have a fine relationship with mutual respect for each other," Mora said.

Mora said he's not convinced he's at a disadvantage pursuing this job because of his close ties with Mariucci. He also gave reasons why he believes his familiarity with the team would be an advantage.

"I know the players," he said. "I know the organization. I know the pitfalls we've had. And most of the players, I've known since they became San Francisco 49ers."

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