Team officials have apprised all three known candidates up for the San Francisco 49ers head coaching vacancy that a decision will be made by the end of the week, ESPN.com has learned.

No more definitive timetable was offered to the three candidates -- defensive coordinators Jim Mora Jr. of San Francisco, Ted Cottrell of the New York Jets and Greg Blache of the Chicago Bears -- nor were they informed about any other potential candidates to succeed Steve Mariucci.

All three known candidates had second interviews last week.

There continue to be rumors San Francisco general manager Terry Donahue has reached out to potential college candidates but, if any have indicated an interest in the job, they have done a good job of keeping a lid on it.

ESPN.com has learned that Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz, who led his team to an Orange Bowl berth last season, last week declined an invitation to interview for the 49ers job. Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, according to reports, also rebuffed the 49ers' overtures.

Ferentz interviewed for the Jacksonville Jaguars' opening last month, but subsequently withdrew from consideration once the process dragged on and threatened to impact his recruiting efforts.

Although not particularly well known to many NFL fans, Ferentz is highly regarded by officials from several teams. Ferentz, 47, was an assistant with the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens for six seasons before being named the successor to legendary Iowa coach Hayden Fry in December 1998.

In four seasons at Iowa, he has posted a 24-23 record, going from just 1-10 in his first season to 11-2 in 2002.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.