by Dave Del Grande

THERE WERE MANY winners and one big loser -- the media -- in the 49ers' coaching search. And there's one man who falls somewhere in between.

Actually, I believe Ted Cottrell belongs among the winners, although others disagree.

In looking back on the hiring process, it's quite possible the 49ers had no intention of selecting an NFL assistant coach. But even if that's true, to say the Jets defensive coordinator was used is wrong.

Cottrell clearly interviewed well and made a name for himself nationally. That has to make the 55-year-old feel good about himself -- and his chances of fulfilling his dream in the future.

Bottom line: When the inevitable coaching openings occur next year, Cottrell's name will appear on some wish lists. And now Bill Walsh can help the cause with a glowing recommendation.

Cottrell is held in higher esteem today than he was when the Jets' season ended. He should be applauded for that.

DATELINE: Downfield. Here's my greatest fear about Dennis Erickson: He remembers J.J. Stokes from UCLA and wants to give the former hotshot another chance.

When the man who made the Seahawks the top passing team in the NFL watches 49ers game film, I hope he draws the obvious conclusion: This team desperately needs one more quality receiver.

Kelley Washington. Remember the name. The Tennessee speedster would be the ideal addition.

DATELINE: Under the dunce cap. I erroneously claimed Mike Riley had been fired by Oregon State before the school hired Erickson in 1999.

In fact, Riley did a commendable job getting the program back on its feet, earning him a head-coaching job in the NFL and setting the stage for Erickson to work his magic.

Hmmm ... sounds like Steve Mariucci, doesn't it?

DATELINE: Grand Central Station. It's rumor time in the NBA with the trade deadline approaching, and I actually saw one the other day that makes sense.

Latrell Sprewell for Keith Van Horn.

The Knicks need to break up the Sprewell-Allan Houston tandem, and while they'd be getting a lesser talent, they would address a big need (size).

Meanwhile, a Sprewell-Allen Iverson pairing in Philadephia would be dynamic. The former Warrior is an ideal No. 2 weapon -- getting his points early, then stepping aside and allowing the star to take the big shots at crunch time.

DATELINE: Cyberspace. Good news Warriors fans: The chances of landing LeBron James in the next draft aren't as remote as they might seem.

In the LeBron Lottery on espn.com, the Warriors were supposed to have a

7-in-1,000 chance of earning the No. 1 pick. But it took me just 22 clicks before Garry St. Jean and the boys won the top prize.

Try it for yourself. It's a lot of fun.

DATELINE: The cashier's cage. The guy sitting on the pole is 15-to-1 to win the Daytona 500. I've never heard of Jeff Green, but that sounds like a nice price. Let's do it.

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