Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson has withdrawn his name from consideration for the vacant 49ers' head coaching position.

Also, it is believed that the Niners will make contact with Jets defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell. The Niners have not yet secured permission to speak with Cottrell but a source told ESPN that the team would seek to speak with Cottrell.

The Eagles, wary of perhaps losing Johnson to the 49ers or any other team, have signed Johnson to a four-year contract extension. The new deal is worth about $1 million per year and will make Johnson one of the highest paid assistant coaches in the league.

Johnson spoke by phone with 49ers general manager Terry Donahue on Wednesday and declined the chance to interview for the vacancy.

The 49ers plan to interview Philadelphia offensive coordinator Brad Childress, New England defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel and San Francisco defensive coordinator Jim Mora in the next few days as they search for a replacement for Steve Mariucci, was fired last week by owner John York.

Donahue said there is no timetable to find a new coach. In addition to the three coordinators scheduled for interviews, Donahue hopes to interview at least three additional candidates from the college and pro ranks.

Information from ESPN.com's John Clayton and the Associated Press was used in this report.