By Cam Inman
CONTRA COSTA TIMES

SAN DIEGO - Defensive coordinator Jim Mora, one of the 49ers' candidates to replace Steve Mariucci as coach, interviewed for the vacant Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator job Sunday and Monday after being given permission to do so by the 49ers, according to the Charlotte Observer.

John York, the 49ers owner representative, told SportsLine.com that although the 49ers granted him permission to talk with the Panthers, Mora "will have a clear shot" at interviewing for Mariucci's old job. Mora is under contract with the 49ers through 2003.

Neither Mora nor 49ers general manager Terry Donahue returned calls seeking comment. It's believed the 49ers haven't interviewed any candidates since firing Mariucci on Wednesday. York said he wants a new coach in place by the end of next week, and he told SportsLine.com that two probable candidates are former Minnesota Vikings coach Dennis Green and New York Jets defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell.

"Our interest in Dennis is very well-known, and he is at the top of our shorter list," York was quoted Sunday on SportsLine.com.

York said Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren would have been a "viable candidate" if he weren't so attached to the Seahawks -- he's under contract through 2006. "If things hadn't been solidified with Mike Holmgren, he would have been a viable candidate," York told SportsLine. "I don't think that will happen now, but he would be a good fit."

The Panthers are seeking a defensive coordinator to replace Jack Del Rio, who last week left that post to become the Jacksonville Jaguars coach.

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