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Posted at 1:55 p.m., Friday, January 18, 2008

NFL: Mora withdraws as Redskin coaching candidate

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Washington Redskins lost a contender for their coaching vacancy today when Seattle Seahawks assistant Jim Mora withdrew from consideration.

Mora, the former Atlanta Falcons head coach, is one of five coaches to interview with Redskins owner Dan Snyder. Mora met with Snyder on Wednesday and Thursday, spending Wednesday night at a guesthouse on the owner's property.

"The process reconfirmed that the quality of life for my family in Seattle is my first priority," Mora said in a statement released by the Seahawks. "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 played linebacker in college at the University of Washington and returned to the Pacific Northwest last year to become Seattle's defensive backs coach after he was fired by the Falcons. He went 27-23 over three seasons with Atlanta and would be considered a favorite to become the Seahawks head coach if Mike Holmgren decides to retire.

The three other known candidates for the Washington job are Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Ron Meeks, Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and Redskins assistant Gregg Williams. One other candidate, whose name has not been made public, has also been interviewed.

Meeks had a second interview with Snyder today after spending Thursday night at the guesthouse.

Snyder and vice president for football operations Vinny Cerrato planned to spend much of Friday evaluating their candidates. The owner was then to decide whether to invite any of the five back for another interview or whether to pursue other names on his list.