Source: Lions to interview Mariucci this week

DETROIT (AP) _ The Detroit Lions plan to interview former San Francisco 49ers coach Steve Mariucci by the end of the week, a source within the league said Wednesday. <br><br>The source, who spoke on condition

Wednesday, January 29th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

DETROIT (AP) _ The Detroit Lions plan to interview former San Francisco 49ers coach Steve Mariucci by the end of the week, a source within the league said Wednesday.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Lions chief executive Matt Millen made contact with Mariucci to set up a meeting after Millen fired coach Marty Mornhinweg on Monday.

Millen was not available for comment Wednesday.

``The process continues,'' Lions spokesman Bill Keenist said.

Mornhinweg, who served as offensive coordinator under Mariucci with the 49ers, was fired after a month after the Lions finished 3-13. Mornhinweg had a record of 5-27 over his two seasons, the worst two-year stretch in team history.

On Monday, Millen said he hoped Mariucci would be a candidate for the job.

``I spoke to Steve after he was let go, and I would like to speak to him again,'' Millen said then.

Mariucci, who was born and raised in Iron Mountain, Mich., had a 60-43 record in six seasons with the 49ers, and he guided the team to the playoffs four times.

Mariucci clashed with 49ers owner John York, however, and the team fired Mariucci three days after a 31-6 loss at Tampa Bay in the divisional playoffs. Mariucci had one year left on his contract.

While Mariucci had just a 3-4 postseason record, he had won three times as many playoff games as the Lions have since winning the 1957 NFL title. Detroit beat Dallas 38-6 in the divisional playoffs on Jan. 5, 1992, and lost to Washington in the NFC championship game.