Erickson has a job for Mora
February 15, 2003
By Cam Inman
CONTRA COSTA TIMES
Three days after Jim Mora lost his candidacy to become the 49ers' next coach, the club announced Friday that he will return for his fifth season as its defensive coordinator.
"I'm staying here because (new 49ers coach) Dennis Erickson said he wants me to be his defensive coordinator, so I said I would be," Mora said by phone from his office at the 49ers' Santa Clara facility.
Mora already was under contract through the 2003 season, but it appeared he might coach elsewhere when Erickson beat out him and two other finalists as Steve Mariucci's successor.
A team spokesman confirmed that during the 49ers' four-week coaching search, three teams -- the Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks -- requested permission to speak with Mora about becoming their defensive coordinator. The 49ers gave Carolina permission but wouldn't say whether they granted the requests of Seattle and Detroit, which hired Mariucci as its coach Feb. 4.
Mora, 41, was the 49ers defensive backs coach for two years before being promoted to defensive coordinator. His units have ranked 28th, 29th, 13th and 14th in the league in yards allowed per game the past four seasons.
"Jim has done a tremendous job here," Erickson said in a statement. "He has helped this defense improve each year and I felt it was best for this team to have Jim remain as defensive coordinator. He has tremendous knowledge and a great passion for the game and this organization."
Mora's passion to become a head coach remains unfulfilled despite a strong run at the 49ers job. He was the first candidate interviewed by general manager Terry Donahue on Jan. 21, and he was one of three defensive coordinators who had follow-up interviews last week with Donahue and 49ers owner representative John York.
"Jim did a tremendous job with his interviews for our head coaching position, and there is no question in my mind that he will develop over the next couple of years into an outstanding head coach," Donahue said in a statement. "There were numerous teams that tried to hire Jim as their defensive coordinator, and I'm just delighted that Dennis and Jim were able to work things out here at the 49ers."
Mora's agent, Bob LaMonte, and the 49ers are believed to be working on a contract extension for Mora. LaMonte did not return calls seeking comment.
"If we can stay healthy on defense, we can be as good as anybody," Mora said. "I've been with many of them since the start of their careers, helping them develop, and I wanted to see it through."
NOTES: Cornerback Mike Rumph, the 49ers' No. 1 draft pick last year, avoided a possible six-month jail sentence when he was acquitted Friday of a July 6 drunken-driving charge in Miami. According to a breathalyzer test, Rumph's blood-alcohol level was .091 percent. Under Florida law, the legal limit is up to .08 percent. Rumph's attorney, Edward O'Donnell III, cited testimony from a defense expert who said the breathalyzer machine has an error factor that could have brought Rumph's level below the legal limit. ... The 49ers officially announced that offensive coordinator Greg Knapp, offensive line coach Pat Morris and quarterbacks coach Ted Tollner also have been retained. Erickson said Wednesday he planned to have all three on his staff. ... Staff vacancies have yet to be filled officially for running backs, tight ends, wide receivers, defensive line, linebackers and special teams. Secondary coach Brett Maxie is under contract for 2003 and is expected to return.
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