Mora vows aggressive offense
February 07, 2003
By MATT MAIOCCO
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
SANTA CLARA -- The common complaint among the grumbling faction of the 49ers and their fans was that the offense under Steve Mariucci lost its "killer instinct."
On Thursday, 49ers defensive coordinator Jim Mora vowed if he is named head coach, he plans to bring back a go-for-the-jugular mentality that seemed to be lacking even as the team was earning its way into the playoffs.
"This is an organization that's always been an attack-oriented offense and we've been an organization in the past that's gotten people down and gone for the throat," said Mora, who had his second interview for the 49ers' head-coaching job.
"That's the kind of offense I like. We'll be disciplined, we'll be aggressive and we'll be attacking, and we'll utilize our weapons."
Asked if he thought the 49ers might have gotten away from that approach in recent seasons, Mora answered, "I wouldn't say we've gotten away from it, I'd just think you need to sometimes revisit or re-emphasize certain aspects of your philosophy."
Mora, 41, is the second of three finalists to have a second round of interviews with the organization. Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Greg Blache is scheduled to meet with 49ers owner John York and general manager Terry Donahue today.
New York Jets defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell was the first to interview in Round 2 for the job opening that was created Jan.15 with the firing of Mariucci.
Donahue issued a written statement earlier in the week that he would also pursue candidates from the college ranks. Donahue, who has not spoken publicly in more than two weeks, was unavailable for comment.
In fact, Donahue's low profile during the process has led some to believe that the 49ers do not have any direction or plan while trying to fill the vacancy. Last week, quarterback Jeff Garcia was critical of Donahue's search for the next head coach.
Garcia certainly has not shown any public support for Mora, who finished his fourth season as 49ers defensive coordinator. In Mora's four seasons as the head of the defense, the 49ers have ranked 28th, 29th, 13th and 14th in the NFL.
The 49ers were beset by injuries on defense in 2002, which attributed to their lower-than-expected ranking. But some view the bigger concerns to be with an inconsistent offense that ranked eighth overall.
Mora said he has spoken with Garcia and receiver Terrell Owens in recent days about how he envisions the direction of the offense and the team as a whole.
"I don't know that changes need to be made, (but) I think that there's always room for fresh approaches and fresh ideas," Mora said. "Offensively, what's important is that we're an attacking offense, we identify who our play-makers are and we get them the football."
The 49ers allowed opponents to overcome fourth-quarter deficits of 10-or-more points on three occasions in 2002. They blew an 11-point lead in a 35-27 loss to New Orleans; after leading, 17-7, against San Diego, the 49ers lost, 20-17, in overtime; and a 17-3 fourth-quarter lead against St. Louis turned into a 31-20 loss in the regular-season finale.
If Mora is not named as the 49ers' 14th head coach, there appears to be a good chance he will leave. He interviewed two weeks ago for the defensive coordinator position with the Carolina Panthers. He is also believed to be a front-runner to join Mariucci with the Detroit Lions.
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