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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Mora embraces step down


Jim Mora, with Julian Peterson, brings experience to Seattle. Associated Press
 (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
Scott M. Johnson Everett Herald

KIRKLAND, Wash. – Rarely has a two-level demotion been embraced with such unconditional love.

Jim Mora, who spent five seasons as San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator and the past three years as Atlanta Falcons head coach, is so excited to be coaching defensive backs that he’s been running around the practice field like a little kid.

“This is the honest truth: I’m just excited as heck to be here and to be a part of the Seahawks organization and to be living back in the Seattle area,” the graduate of Interlake High School and the University of Washington said earlier this week. “I’ve distanced myself from (the Falcons) as much as I can and I’m just happy to be here.”

The Seahawks have given Mora a new lease on his coaching life, and now the question is what Mora can bring to Seattle’s defense.

“We’re adjusting to a lot of the stuff he’s bringing along, some of the new blitzes or schemes,” linebacker Lofa Tatupu said of the Seahawks’ new defensive backs coach. “Coverage-wise, with the blitzes that we’ve changed, he’s had his hand in there. We’re enjoying it and want to keep learning from him.”

From an X’s and O’s standpoint, Mora is also adding his defensive knowledge to the coaches’ meetings.

But defensive coordinator John Marshall said his suggestions are typical of all the assistants on the staff.

“Jim’s a good football coach,” Marshall said. “This staff isn’t one guy. It’s the combination of the personalities. We work very well together. And we’re all highly experienced.”

Mora, 45, has 15 years of experience coaching in the NFL. He’s coached in several defensive systems and brings a fresh perspective to Seattle’s defensive package.

But he’s just trying to complement what’s already here, not attempting to rewrite the playbook.

“Jim’s got some things,” Marshall said. “But it’s a collective thing. As long as it fits into the collective scheme here.”

During summer minicamps, Mora was the most vocal defensive coach on the practice field. He could be seen putting players – not just defensive backs, but also linebackers and defensive linemen – into position as the coaches installed new aspects of the scheme.

“What Jim does on the field is he handles the install period,” Marshall said. “The defenses that we have up to that day – if we need to walk through things, that’s his job.”

Where Mora’s knowledge really comes in handy is during daily meetings with the defensive backs.

“You know you’re getting somebody who really knows the game,” rookie cornerback Josh Wilson said. “It’s great having him as my coach because I know I’m getting the best in the business.”

In Mora, assistant defensive backs coach Larry Marmie and special assistant Ray Rhodes, the Seahawks have three former defensive coordinators on the same staff as Marshall. But the Seahawks’ official coordinator said there’s no sense of too-many-cooks-in-the-kitchen on the staff.

“Because of the character of these men we have on the defensive staff, nobody’s trying to be the guy,” Marshall said. “That’s the same with our defensive team. Nobody’s selfish. It’s just: How do we win?”

While Mora couldn’t be blamed for thumping his chest and bragging about spending the past three years as a head coach, the other coaches and players just don’t see that in his personality.

“The only Jim I know is the one without an ego,” safety Brian Russell said. “He’s real excited to be coaching D-backs, and it’s very genuine.

“He’s a guy who keeps us in the meeting room until the very last minute, watching film and adding tidbits to the defense. That helps us be a good team and be a secondary.”

Seattle’s first preseason game is Aug. 12 at San Diego.