Mariucci Gets New 49ers’ Deal

Forget the rumors that Steve Mariucci was on his way out as San Francisco 49ers’ coach.

Mariucci was signed Tuesday to a new five-year contract worth about $2 million per season, quashing speculation abut his future with the team.

The deal, which replaced the three years left on his original pact, binds him to the 49ers through 2003.

Mariucci, whose job security was the subject of constant speculation despite a winning record, said he was relieved the deal was finally done.

“We tried to bring this news to you earlier. Sorry it took so long,” Mariucci said, smiling at Santa Clara. “We finally had the opportunity to spend the time to hammer out all the issues and discuss it with the necessary parties and come to an agreement.”

Mariucci said he planned to meet today with Bill Walsh to discuss Walsh’s return to the organization.

Walsh, the Hall of Fame coach who led San Francisco to its first three Super Bowls, is expected to help in personnel evaluation and oversee the draft. The 49ers fired their director of player personnel, Vinny Cerrato, late Monday.

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New Seattle Coach Mike Holmgren reportedly has decided that quarterback Warren Moon won’t return to the Seahawks next season.

Moon, 42, will be released Feb. 12, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported Tuesday.

Moon ended the season as backup to Jon Kitna.

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Jacksonville Jaguar offensive coordinator Chris Palmer interviewed for the Baltimore Ravens’ coaching job.

Palmer, 49, said the Ravens did not offer him the job but that time was a factor since he has another interview scheduled with a team he would not disclose.

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Doctors say that Washington Redskin receiver Michael Westbrook could return next season after undergoing neck surgery to repair a herniated disk.

Westbrook had two vertebrae fused together with a metal plate in the operation performed by Dr. Robert Watkins on Monday in Los Angeles.

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The Philadelphia Eagles hired Rod Dowhower as their offensive coordinator, a day after hiring Andy Reid as their coach. Dowhower, 55, was the New York Giants’ quarterbacks coach the last two seasons.

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Pittsburgh Steeler Coach Bill Cowher talked offensive lineman Will Wolford out of retirement once. He couldn’t do it twice.

Wolford, who nearly quit before the 1998 season, is retiring after 13 seasons, leaving the Steelers with a significant hole at left tackle.

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Connecticut Gov. John Rowland signed legislation that will pay for a $374 million Hartford stadium for the New England Patriots, a project intended to spark a downtown revitalization.

The plan must still clear a few more hurdles. Patriot owner Robert Kraft must sign a development agreement with the state, and the NFL club owners must approve the team’s relocation.