Kevin Lynch, Chronicle Staff Writer

The rousing game of coaching musical chairs is nearing a conclusion, with the 49ers retaining more coaches than expected.

New head coach Dennis Erickson met individually with the coaching staff over the past few days. Those staying are coordinators Jim Mora and Gregg Knapp, quarterbacks coach Ted Tollner and offensive-line coach Pat Morris. The team did lose a significant figure however, when running backs coach Tom Rathman opted to sign a three-year deal to coach running backs under former 49ers coach Steve Mariucci in Detroit.

Possibly the biggest surprise in this development is Mora, who was pursued by the Lions, Seahawks and Panthers as a defensive coordinator. Mora also was a finalist for the 49ers' head-coaching job.

"I'm excited to be back with these players, most of whom have been with me their entire careers," Mora said.

Several players called or visited Mora when they learned he was staying. Cornerback Jason Webster and defensive tackle Bryant Young both marched up to Mora's second-story office to greet him.

Safety Tony Parrish called and said, "Thanks for making the best move of my career."

Retaining Mora allows the 49ers' defense to maintain some continuity after Mariucci's firing Jan. 15.

In a statement, Erickson said, "Jim has done a tremendous job here. 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. I'm very happy to have Jim as my defensive coordinator."

Rathman, however, leaves after six seasons as the 49ers' highly regarded running backs coach.

"That's the nature of the business," Rathman said by phone while packing his office. "The sooner you understand that, the better off you'll be. But I have no bitterness at all."

In a meeting with Erickson on Thursday, Rathman was told he could stay if Erickson's offensive coordinator in Oregon State, Tim Lappano, is named head coach in Corvallis. If not, Erickson told Rathman that Lappano would replace Rathman as the running backs coach.

"You get a new head coach who wants to bring in his own people," Rathman said. "I had to see what my options were."

Rathman, who had always signed one-year deals with the 49ers, opted for the security of a three-year deal with the Lions so he could get his two oldest daughters through high school before his contract ran out.

He leaves a strong stable of running backs. He helped revive the career of Garrison Hearst, who returned from a two-year injury setback with a 1,206-yard season in 2001.

Under Rathman, Fred Beasley developed into one of the best fullbacks in the league after his sixth-round selection in 1998. Kevan Barlow, a third-round choice in 2001, is an emerging player, and fifth-rounders Terry Jackson (1999) and Paul Smith (2000) have become contributors.

As a player from 1986 to 1993, Rathman played on two Super Bowl winners and was named to three All-Madden teams.

"It's been a great run," Rathman said. "It's been a privilege to work under guys like coach Walsh, and (team executives) John McVay and Bill McPherson."

Mariucci has now taken three coaches with him: offensive assistant Andy Sugarman, linebackers coach Richard Smith and Rathman.

Morris will likely continue in his role as the creator of the 49ers' running plays each week.

"We have a system in place and they wanted to know how we did it," Morris said. "The new coaches will come in and tweak it a little bit, which can be a good thing."

NOTE: Cornerback Mike Rumph was acquitted of a drunken-driving charge stemming from an arrest July 6 in Miami Beach.

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