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Less than 24 hours after the 49ers' final snap, the Atlanta Falcons asked permission Sunday to interview defensive coordinator Jim Mora for their head-coaching vacancy.
The 49ers will allow Mora to explore the opportunity, although no interview
is scheduled. The Falcons have two other known candidates, both defensive coordinators:
the New England Patriots' Romeo Crennel and the St. Louis Rams' Lovie Smith.
Mora was a finalist for the 49ers' vacancy last season before they chose Dennis
Erickson to replace Steve Mariucci. That process dragged on for a month, which,
Mora said in retrospect, will help him.
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"It was so thorough and so consuming," he said. "There was obviously some criticism because it took so long, but for a candidate going through it, it was just a great learning experience.
"I just feel like that allowed me to get my thoughts organized. You've
always got feelings about how you'd want to do something. But until you get
a chance to sit there and explain them to somebody that's in a position to make
decisions, you're never sure if you're going to say it the right way."
The Falcons finished 5-11 and parted ways earlier this month with Dan Reeves.
"Obviously, if Jim gets an offer to become a head football coach, and he's
goofy enough to do that, then he should take the opportunity," Erickson
said. "And it's a great opportunity."
• The 49ers have 14 unrestricted free agents, including tight end Jed
Weaver, who said he would like to come back if it is in a starting role.
Weaver, 27, was supposed to be the No. 2 tight end this season behind Eric Johnson,
but Johnson suffered a season-ending broken collarbone during the preseason,
and Weaver emerged as a surprising receiving threat. He established career highs
with 35 catches for 437 yards (a 12.5 average) and got better as the season
went along, and he established a rapport with quarterback Jeff Garcia. Weaver
said that Erickson and General Manager Terry Donahue told him they would like
to have him back.
"I tried to show I could make a big play and be an every-down player,"
Weaver said. "Whenever we get the offer, I think that will be a big indication
of whether they want me as a No. 1 guy or as No. 2 behind Eric Johnson. I want
to be a starter in this league."
• The 49ers' other unrestricted free agents are (in alphabetical order):
defensive lineman Chidi Ahanotu, defensive end John Engelberger, center Brock
Gutierrez, safety Ronnie Heard, long snapper Brian Jennings, safety John Keith,
defensive tackle Travis Kirschke, receiver Terrell Owens, linebacker Julian
Peterson, kicker Todd Peterson, cornerback Ahmed Plummer, receiver Tai Streets
and cornerback Jason Webster.
• Erickson said that he plans to keep the entire coaching staff intact,
barring job offers from elsewhere, as in Mora's case. The only assistant whose
contract is up is offensive-line coach Pat Morris, whom Erickson aims to re-sign.
• Erickson announced that center Jeremy Newberry will have reconstructive
ankle surgery in January and arthroscopic surgery for a left-shoulder injury
eight to 10 weeks later. Newberry might not be available for the team's mini-camps
in spring.
• More operations loom, although Erickson said the procedures are mostly
minor, and he expects the players to be ready for mini-camp: Johnson (clavicle),
fullback Terry Jackson (ankle), defensive tackle Bryant Young (ankle), left
tackle Kwame Harris (left shoulder), receiver Arnaz Battle (toe) and left guard
Eric Heitmann (knee).