Though it’s not clear whether the Washington Redskins are interested in hiring former 49ers and Lions coach Steve Mariucci, Mooch apparently is ready to get back in.

According to Adam Schefter of NFLN, Mariucci is interested in returning to coaching.  “He feels a stronger itch to coach then he did last year,” Schefter said on Monday. 

Coincidentally (or not), Mariucci’s contract with the Lions ran through the 2007 season.  So if Mooch had gotten the itch a year ago to coach, scratching it would have meant working for free, since any money he would have earned would have reduced the Lions’ obligation to him under the five-year, $25 million contract he signed in 2003.  Typicall, income derived from broadcasting work does not count against any remaining salary owed to a coach who is fired.

As to whether he might end up coaching the Redskins, Mooch was mum.  Indications remain that Jim Fassel is the favorite, and that the Redskins hope to speak with Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo after the Super Bowl.