DEFENSIVE COACH WOULD HOLD SAME JOB WITH CAROLINA

Knight Ridder

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - 49ers defensive coordinator Jim Mora will interview for the same position with the Carolina Panthers today.

Sunday, the Panthers requested permission to speak with Mora, who also is a candidate to replace Steve Mariucci as coach of the 49ers. Mariucci was fired Wednesday.

Mora, 41, will be the first to interview for the position and appears to be the leading candidate to replace Jack Del Rio as Carolina's defensive coordinator. Jacksonville hired Del Rio as coach Friday.

Carolina defensive-line coach Mike Trgovac and defensive-backs coach Rod Perry also will interview for the coordinator position.

Mora, the son of longtime NFL coach Jim Mora, was on San Diego's staff when Panthers General Manager Marty Hurney worked in the Chargers' front office. Mora was with the Chargers in 1985-91, left to become the Saints' secondary coach in 1992-96 and has spent the past six seasons with the 49ers -- four as defensive coordinator.

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