David Elfin just phoned this in: A league source just revealed the stunning news that the Redskins next coach will be is not any of the seven candidates who had interviews, but is new offensive coordinator Jim Zorn.
Developing. ...
UPDATED 7:20 p.m.
Below is the official release from the team:
PRESS RELEASEFor Immediate Release
February 9, 2008
JIM ZORN NAMED WASHINGTON REDSKINS HEAD COACH
ASHBURN, VA -- Jim Zorn, a veteran coach of 20 years and a renowned former NFL quarterback, today was named Head Coach of the Washington Redskins, succeeding Hall of Fame Coach Joe Gibbs, who retired Jan. 8.
"I've always dreamed of being a head coach with a franchise rich in tradition like the Redskins," Zorn said. "As a player who had to fight Redskins teams at RFK as well as at our home field, I know about the history of this franchise as well as the passion of its fans. I won't let you down."
"We're proud that our search was diligent, thorough, and resulted in today's announcement," said team Owner Daniel M. Snyder. "Jim's track record and reputation as a player, great teacher, and as a coach makes us confident that they will translate to success for the Redskins."
Zorn, who signed a five-year contract with the team, spent seven seasons as quarterbacks coach for the Seattle Seahawks under Head Coach Mike Holmgren, where they shared in playoff trips for the past five seasons and one Super Bowl appearance. His elevation to head coach at the Redskins adds his name to Holmgren's "family tree" of quarterback coaches who moved into the head coaching ranks, joining Andy Reid (directly from quarterback coach to the Eagles head coach), Jon Gruden, Marty Morninweg, and Steve Mariucci. Holmgren's tree also includes Jim Mora, Dick Jauron, Ray Rhodes, and Mike Sherman.
Zorn said he was excited about working with the Redskins from the first moment the team contacted him.
"I know about the history and great fans of the Redskins. I played against the Redskins. I played against our two newest Hall of Famers, Art Monk and Darrell Green," Zorn said. "I, like all Redskins fans, am a long-time admirer of Joe Gibbs. Thanks to him, today's Redskins have a solid foundation that will serve us well. I expect great things of our team, and hold myself accountable for providing the leadership to make us successful."
Zorn broke into the National Football League in 1976 as the first quarterback for the expansion Seahawks, starting all 14 games and earning Rookie of the Year honors. He went on to play nine seasons for the team, then one year each with the Green Bay Packers, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before retiring in 1987.
Zorn is one of only eight players in the Seahawks' Ring of Honor.
"Playing experience like Jim's is an enormous advantage for a head coach," said Gibbs. "Every move he makes, every play he calls, is based on the foundation of having actually played in real time and in the face of real opponents. You can't learn that on the sidelines or in the classroom."
"Dan and Vinny worked extremely hard on this process, and their research and diligence paid off after many long nights and hard hours. They're to be congratulated for that," Gibbs said.
"Dan was impressed with Jim from their first meeting. The first time he talked to me about hiring Jim I could tell what a strong impression he had made," Gibbs added. "Jim was a heck of a player, I know because I had to coach against him. But everyone also knows what a high-quality person he is, it's the first thing people tell you."
"I'm also extremely excited about the fact that Dan has maintained such stability and continuity among the staff. Not just the coaches, but also the entire infrastructure - strength coaches, medical staff, and others - that is required to maintain chemistry on a team," Gibbs said.
The Redskins began their search for a new coach on Jan. 9, following Gibbs' decision to retire. Snyder, Executive Vice President for Football Operations Vinny Cerrato, and other team officials evaluated more than 50 potential candidates for the head coaching job over two days and selected 10 for interviews, which began Jan. 10.
"We knew of Jim's stellar offensive reputation, so we hired him as coordinator, but we also suspected he would be a strong candidate for head coach," Snyder said. "After our first six-hour interview with him, I told Joe (Gibbs), 'This guy would make a terrific head coach.'"
"But we stayed true to our commitment to interview every candidate. That took longer than expected because the Giants kept moving through the playoffs. Once we completed our interview with Steve Spagnuolo and concluded a day of discussion about all candidates, I called Jim and asked him to meet for lunch," Snyder continued. "I told him we were considering him as the next head coach, and asked if he wanted to move forward. Without hesitation he said 'absolutely,' and that's all I needed to hear."
"We spent two days taking Jim through the same interview process as every other candidate. Those sessions only confirmed my earlier comment to Joe (Gibbs): Jim Zorn will be a terrific head coach," Snyder said.
"I appreciate our fans' patience during this process. We promised a full search and we stuck to that promise. I also want to thank Joe (Gibbs) for his daily encouragement to stay the course, be patient, and fully interview everyone we identified as a potential head coach," Snyder added. "I also want to thank all the candidates for their time and hard work. They are all strong coaches and good people."
Vinny Cerrato, the Redskins Executive Vice President of Football Operations, said, "I'm proud of our work over the past 30 days, and I'm excited by the outcome. We worked seven days a week, late into the night. We were thorough, professional, and detailed. Our process was designed to identify the best candidate and it did. Jim (Zorn) is the only coach we offered the job to, contrary to some reports."
Zorn began his NFL coaching career following nine years as a quarterbacks coach or offensive coordinator at Boise State, Utah State and the University of Minnesota. He joined the Seahawks in 1997 as an offensive assistant. The next season he moved to the Detroit Lions as quarterbacks coach, where he was instrumental in the development of rookie quarterback Charlie Batch. In his rookie season, Batch's 88.3 passer rating ranks as the fourth-highest rookie mark in NFL history.
Holmgren brought Zorn to the Seahawks as quarterbacks coach in 2001, where he coached current Seahawk quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, Trent Dilfer and Brock Huard. In 2002, Dilfer began the season as the starter, with Hasselbeck stepping in to complete the season. That year, Seattle's passing attack ranked third in the NFL and Hasselbeck finished the season ranked first in the NFC with a 63.7 completion percentage and second in the NFC with a 87.8 passer rating.
With Hasselbeck entrenched as Seattle's starter, Zorn has worked with Holmgren in implementing the team's offense while also continuing the development of the quarterback. Hasselbeck, now a perennial Pro Bowler, continues to rank among the NFL's best quarterbacks. Similarly, the Seahawk's offense regular ranks among the NFL elite.
Zorn, 54, and his wife Joy have four children: Rachel, Sarah, Danielle, and a son, Isaac. Rachel is married to Neal Mitchell. They have a one-month old daughter Hollis Joy.
Comments (36)
q putas!?
Posted by Joel | February 9, 2008 6:52 PM
que putas!?
Posted by Joel | February 9, 2008 6:52 PM
you mean danny boy is not the head coach?
Posted by Bob | February 9, 2008 7:19 PM
Want to know how ***king stupid this really is? Zorn was originally hired to work ONE on ONE with the quaterbacks. That is his real strength, his true asset. You think he will have time to be HEAD COACH, OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR, AND QUATERBACKS COACH? Snyder has taken the team to a new low. He does not have the right to continue to make this team be nothing more than a losing, overpaid, cash generating, poor excuse for a NFL team. Hire a guy specifically to mentor your young QB then promote him to a position that doest not allow fot it. Not to mention this guy has inadequate experience to coach a franchise of this caliber. My God we are now at the level of the Bengals, Lions, Cardinals, etc. Our past can no longer save us from being a mockery.
Posted by Dennis | February 9, 2008 7:23 PM
Jim Zorn is an outstanding choice. He is an accomplished NFL quarterback. He had to work his way up through the ranks, coaching at the college level for many years. Kudos to NFL owners who are taking a look at fresh faces instead of hiring the same ole retreads that used to get these openings back in the day... I'm actually more excited about this decision than I would have been if they had hired any of the rumored front runners. It would have been nice to see how a Tony Dungy disciple would have done in the nation's capital but that's ok. Eventually somebody is going to give Coach Meeks a shot to run the show.
Posted by Redskin Aficionado | February 9, 2008 7:28 PM
If I remember right, when Jack Kent Cooke hired Joe Gibbs in the 1980s, he had little experience. His only pro experience was a few years in St. Louis as OL coach. He turned out to be a legend. Let's give Jim Zorn a chance. Afterall, it's Dan's money and team. He has chosen who he feels comfortable with. Apparently Joe Gibbs was impressed too.
That said, it appears to me they went about this whole process a$$ backwards. They hired all the assistant coaches first then wanted a legitimate HC to fit in. It seems to me they should have selected a head coach first and then let him choose the assistant coaches he felt comfortable with.
I'm sure we'll know in about two years if Dan was right or wrong. If he's wrong, he'll be savaged by the fans and media. If he made a great pick in Zorn, he'll be a genius.
Posted by DC | February 9, 2008 7:59 PM
That last post is an obvious and transparent plant by a Redskins employee.
Posted by Oakton, VA | February 9, 2008 8:00 PM
not jim fassel enough said lets give zorn a chance
Posted by bob | February 9, 2008 8:34 PM
On the positive aspect of this decision; @ least it was'nt Fassel. I am concerned though that w/ Dan & his lapdog Vinny calling the shots; will Zorn be able to succeed in D.C.
Posted by Todd | February 9, 2008 8:35 PM
I've had enough!!!
Posted by no_longer _a_skins _fan | February 9, 2008 8:36 PM
I think this is a great hire. He will be enthusiastic and will not let anyone dog it. This is a freash start and I will get on Board..
Posted by Dave Kessler | February 9, 2008 8:41 PM
Interesting choice, but did we really need to wait to speak to Spags and drag this thing out if he was our guy all along ?
Posted by Joe Mele | February 9, 2008 9:01 PM
I Like this hire
Zorn was highly respected in the seahawks organization.
"I think he should be the head coach," Hasselbeck said yesterday at Phoenix Convention Center. "When you look for qualities in a head coach, he's got them all. He doesn't have the experience, but neither did Andy Reid when he was my position coach in Green Bay and left for Philadelphia."-
Posted by ron burgandy | February 9, 2008 9:13 PM
Danny Boy found the throw-away coach he wanted. Zorn will be gone in a year or two and Danny will be offering big bucks to Cowher.
Posted by NB | February 9, 2008 9:15 PM
LIKE ALOT HAVE SAID=AT LEAST ITS NOT FASSEL.IM LIKIN WHAT I KNOW ABOUT ZORN,SO IM WILLING TO GIVE A GOOD CHANCE,CANT GET ANY WORSE==I HOPE==GO SKINS,FROM FLORIDA
Posted by RETROMAN44 | February 9, 2008 9:16 PM
What? I was hoping Vinny would be the Skins' head coach. Oh. Well. There is only one team to follow in this town. GO CAPS.
Posted by Barney | February 9, 2008 9:24 PM
great hire time for new breed i love dan synder as my owner he wants to win some owners dont
Posted by leonard bowie | February 9, 2008 9:48 PM
I have a crazy idea, why don't some of you people give this guy a chance before you start your whining. If your over the age of ten, and you find yourself getting emotionally upset to the point of wanting to throw a temper tantrum, perhaps it's time to get a life. I may be wrong, but wasn't there a guy who was a quarterback coach, offensive coordinator and head coach all at the same time. His name was Lombardi. Since some of you are being so dramatic I thought I would be to.
Posted by Richard L.A. | February 9, 2008 10:34 PM
The 'Skins are so lucky!
I was nine living outside of Seattle when the Seahawks came into the league. Zorn was the first professional player I could name/follow and over the years I followed his career and have wanted him to take over for Holmgren for years.
I lived in Connecticut during the 87 season (the Doug Williams season) and the Redskins became my NFC team; til the Seahawks shifted leagues.
What a fusion of two of my three favorite things about the NFL.
Go 'Skins, if doesn't involve the 'Hawks, I'll be rooting for you!
Grey
Juneau, Alaska
Posted by Grey | February 9, 2008 11:04 PM
dennis you are very negative right now.buzz off.
Posted by John | February 9, 2008 11:05 PM
what happens to the offensive coordinator position? is Zorn taking on all 3 positions or will there be another hire?
Posted by mike | February 9, 2008 11:21 PM
Are you kidding me? This is INSANE. Please Danny, SELL THE TEAM!
We go from a Hall of Fame coach to a guy who has never been above QB coach level.
We have become the Raiders of the NFC.
Posted by KY | February 9, 2008 11:38 PM
sounds like a good hire to me,give Zorn a chance.GO SKINS!!
Posted by Brian | February 9, 2008 11:40 PM
HAHAHAHAHA! The 4th place team in the NFC East is set for the next several years!
Posted by Cowboy Joe | February 9, 2008 11:41 PM
Sheesh, from QB coach to head coach??? Looks like The Danny ran out of options. Not too enthused about this.
Posted by Jamie | February 9, 2008 11:45 PM
Why is Dan Snyder so hated by so many so called Redskins fans? Would you rather have an owner like Bill Bidwell in Phoenix who has historically been very tight with the purse strings? Is it because Dan Snyder is fairly young? Is it because he's Jewish? I really hope the ladder possiblity is not the case. All the man is trying to do is bring another championship to D.C. I'm starting to believe that no matter what he does he will be hated by the masses. If he had talked Bill Cowher into coming out of his temporary retirement, would his poularity rating have gone up? Maybe... I guess. I don't get it. Last count Cowher has one title on his resume but because he hollers and screams and runs around with all that rah-rah bravado he has been annointed God's gift to coaching. NEWS FLASH (Cowher is not exactly Vince Lombardi)
Posted by Redskin Aficionado | February 9, 2008 11:55 PM
Synder seems to base the whole decision on an interview. He doesn't seem to know what he is doing. I would rather here some positive comments from Gibbs, but he was instead talking up the rest of the coaching staff.
That being said, Zorn might turn out okay. He is a quality person. And, he was a good quarterback and a good teammate in Seattle. Holmgren is no slouch as a coach and I suspect over the last seven years that Zorn has learned a few things from Holmgren.
Posted by Robert Johnson | February 10, 2008 1:29 AM
Oh well, that's interesting. Maybe Zorn turns out to be a great coach. I have no reason to question his abilities at this point. I have to question the decision to hand over that wheel of an aircraft carier to a guy who has never been the capt. of a pilot boat. It smells of a Cerato manipulation to have a coach at the helm that has no experience. He can now continue to point the finger at coaching and keep that as the focus. All the while keeping the attention away from his decisions.
I have little faith that the organization will be successful going forward, Zorn is in a no win situation. His staff is chosen for him, if he wins its not his decisions that acheived those wins. In a nut shell, he becomes a press secretary. I wish him the best, I enjoyed watching him as a kid, I'm sure he is a good person, but I wouldn't want to be in that spotlight without the ability to control the situation. I certainly would want my future being dictated by someone like VC.
Posted by jc62 | February 10, 2008 8:36 AM
Oh well, that's interesting. Maybe Zorn turns out to be a great coach. I have no reason to question his abilities at this point. I have to question the decision to hand over that wheel of an aircraft carier to a guy who has never been the capt. of a pilot boat. It smells of a Cerato manipulation to have a coach at the helm that has no experience. He can now continue to point the finger at coaching and keep that as the focus. All the while keeping the attention away from his decisions.
I have little faith that the organization will be successful going forward, Zorn is in a no win situation. His staff is chosen for him, if he wins its not his decisions that acheived those wins. In a nut shell, he becomes a press secretary. I wish him the best, I enjoyed watching him as a kid, I'm sure he is a good person, but I wouldn't want to be in that spotlight without the ability to control the situation. I certainly would want my future being dictated by someone like VC.
Posted by jc62 | February 10, 2008 8:37 AM
Perhaps Grilliams and Fassell should request a finder's fee. ;-)
Posted by Jamie | February 10, 2008 11:17 AM
The whole matter is a good news, bad news scenaraio. The good news is Fassel wan't hired, the bad news is Zorn was.
Posted by patrick | February 10, 2008 2:28 PM
I hope Snyder's not hated because he's Jewish. This would not seem to make sense because Jewish owners have won many Super Bowls. See Kraft with the Patriots, Glazer Bucs, Davis with the Raiders, Tisch the Giants, Modell the the Ravens, and Irsay with the Colts as a few examples.
Posted by Ari | February 10, 2008 4:30 PM
There's plenty of reasons to dislike Snyder (do I really need to list them?), but being Jewish is certainly not one of them. And I suppose Angelos is hated because he's Greek? Come on!
Posted by Jamie | February 11, 2008 12:41 AM
Who cares whether "The Danny" is Jewish! Peter Angelos, owner and meddler of the Orioles, is not Jewish. He has single-handedly destroyed that proud franchise just as "The Danny" has destroyed the proud franchise that was once The Washington Redskins. I am very thankful that "The Fossil" was not hired. I'll give Zorn the benefit of the doubt. Still, I expect more down days than up days in the coming season. OBTW Jim, it is burgundy and gold and not maroon, yellow and black!
Posted by viera skinsaholic | February 11, 2008 8:43 AM
its hopeless
Posted by Anonymous | February 11, 2008 5:13 PM
Is it true that (or do you feel) that Snyder just brought Zorn in as an interim until Cowher gets tired of the broadcast booth?
Posted by Ray Carissimo | February 13, 2008 8:34 AM