Mora says he has no hard feeling over Falcons firing him

KIRKLAND, Wash. -- Jim Mora says he is NOT bitter that the Falcons fired him as their coach last New Year's Day -- a move that began more trouble in a year than an organization would want in a lifetime.

Mora says he remains committed to Atlanta -- and a foundation he started to help low-income kids -- even while he's in his first season as defensive backs coach for the Seattle Seahawks.

The NFC West champions (10-5) end their regular season against the decimated Falcons (3-12) on Sunday. It will be Mora's first game in Atlanta since owner Arthur Blank fired him for going 27-23 in three seasons. That included an appearance in the N-F-C championship game at the end of the 2004 season.

Mora's Count on Me Family Foundation -- started in 2005 -- benefits at-risk and mentally and physically challenged children throughout Georgia. And Mora said it will stay in Atlanta.

He's invited 50 players who play in the foundation's flag football game to the Georgia Dome.

But they might be some of the only smiling fans inside the stadium.

First, Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was arrested and eventually sent to prison for dogfighting. Then came season-ending injuries. Next Mora's successor -- Bobby Petrino -- deserted the team this month and returned to college to take the job at Arkansas.

Mora says he feels for Atlanta fans. He adds -- quote -- ``It's NOT easy. They are friends of mine. And you don't like to see your friends suffer.''

http://accesswdun.com/article/2007/12/205260