Mora stays put

SEATTLE – If Mike Holmgren does decide to retire from the Seahawks, his heir apparent will still be in Seattle.

Jim Mora withdrew himself from consideration for the Washington Redskins’ coaching vacancy and returned to the Seahawks’ staff Friday. His decision came after the Redskins’ owner had sent a plane to fly him east and then hosted Seattle’s assistant head coach and defensive backs coach at the tycoon’s guesthouse during two days of interviews.

“I want to thank the Redskins organization and owner Daniel Snyder for the opportunity to interview for the head coaching position.” Mora said in a statement released by the Seahawks.

“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.”

The 59-year-old Holmgren is spending the weekend in Arizona with his wife contemplating whether to return for a 17th season as an NFL head coach. Holmgren, who would like a contract extension from the Seahawks beyond 2008, said he “perhaps” will make a decision next week.

Holmgren acknowledged throughout this past season that Mora will be a head coach again soon, though the Seahawks have tried hard to temper expectations that Mora will eventually be Seattle’s head man.