Adding fuel to the rumor that he may one day succeed Mike Holmgren as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, Jim Mora put out a statement Friday that effectively took himself out of the running for the Washington Redskins’ job.
Mora, 46, interviewed for the Redskins’ vacant head-coaching position earlier this week but decided not to pursue it any further.
“I want to thank the Redskins organization and owner Daniel Snyder for the opportunity to interview for the head-coaching position,” Mora’s statement read. “The process reconfirmed that the quality of life for my family in Seattle is my first priority.
“This past year has been a great experience both professionally and personally for myself, my wife, Shannon, and our kids. We are very happy members of this community and the Seattle Seahawks organization.”
Mora, who attended high school and college in the Seattle area, recently finished his first season as assistant head coach/defensive backs coach for the Seahawks. He spent the previous three years as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Mora’s name has been linked to future openings with both the Seahawks and the University of Washington Huskies. His statement comes at an interesting time because Holmgren is planning to spend the weekend with his wife in Arizona, where they will discuss whether he should return for a 10th season with the team.
If Holmgren decides to retire or pursue a front-office position with another team, Mora would be the most logical candidate to take his place. Mora is one of two current Seahawks assistants who have served as NFL head coaches. The other, Ray Rhodes, has had health concerns in recent years and is unlikely to be considered as a candidate.
Holmgren, 59, said earlier this week that he expects to announce a decision on his future as soon as this Tuesday.
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