(Updated Title) Sherman Smith Joins Redskins as OC
 

[url=http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2008/02/sherman_smith_still_deciding.html]Sherman Smith ... Still Deciding - Redskins Insider[/url]

[QUOTE]Sherman Smith ... Still Deciding
More from Jason Reid:

Just got off the phone with Sherman Smith, who still is trying to decide whether to accept the Redskins' offer to become their offensive coordinator. Smith, the Tennessee Titans' assistant head coach-offense, told me he's [B]heard a lot of good things about the organization[/B] and hopes to make a decision today.

Smith and new coach Jim Zorn are former teammates and close friends. Smith said [B]many of his friends in coaching believe joining the Redskins would be the best move for him at this point of his career[/B], but Smith is happy in Nashville and the Titans have been good to him.

I've heard that Smith is a really good guy and he came across as a straight shooter in our initial conversation. Smith was trying to get in touch with Zorn to ask a few more questions before speaking with Titans Coach Jeff Fisher. Smith sure sounded like someone who was about to change jobs.[/QUOTE]

Don't know if he is going to sign here. But I just thought in light of all the "Spagnuolo was told not be part of this mess" rhetoric it would be worth mentioning some positive opinions about being a coach here.

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

[QUOTE=SmootSmack;422185][url=http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2008/02/sherman_smith_still_deciding.html]Sherman Smith ... Still Deciding - Redskins Insider[/url]



Don't know if he is going to sign here. But I just thought in light of all the "Spagnuolo was told not be part of this mess" rhetoric it would be worth mentioning some positive opinions about being a coach here.[/QUOTE]

Funny the guy is about to make this decision and the Post is hounding him for interviews. Its like a cold calling hunting salesman!!!

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

Decision to come on Friday after he speaks to Fisher..

[url=http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2008/02/smith_decision_tomorrow.html]Smith Decision Tomorrow - Redskins Insider[/url]

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

I think he's gonna take it.

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

[quote=Soup's Uncle;422223]I think he's gonna take it.[/quote]

Sounds like it. But we've been down that road before haven't we? I'd be surprised if he didn't though.

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

Washpost reports this p.m. that Smith is indeed signing on with his bud, Z-Man!

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

You know this same crap happened with Fassel. They said he was a done deal and got our hopes all up in the air and then slammed us. lol. ; > I sure hope this works out. The way everyone is making is sound Zorn is bringing in young offensive minds to help him with brain storming plays and game planning.

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

[QUOTE=backrow;422440]Washpost reports this p.m. that Smith is indeed signing on with his bud, Z-Man![/QUOTE]

What's interesting is that both Insider and the report in the main Sports section (both by Jason Reid and Jason LaCanfora) have the same information in the body of their respective stories about Sherman Smith.

But Insider leads with saying Smith is expected to make a decision tomorrow, and the article in the Sports section says he's expected to join the Redskins tomorrow.

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

For NFL historians out there, Jim Zorn and Sherman Smith were both on the original Seattle Seahawks team in 1976. I pulled out an ancient NFL reference book today, and there they were.

[url=http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sea/1976_roster.htm]1976 Seattle Seahawks Starters, Roster, & Players - Pro-Football-Reference.com[/url]

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

Sally had better hurry up and write an article telling him to run for the hills before it's too late.

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

Oh god, do the Titans run a west coast offence? Is Zorn's buddy going to be learning on the job too?

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

[quote=saden1;422474]Oh god, do the Titans run a west coast offence? Is Zorn's buddy going to be learning on the job too?[/quote]

[QUOTE]In addition to having strong ties to Zorn, Smith and Mitchell are well versed in the offense Zorn plans to use. [/QUOTE]

[url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/14/AR2008021403526.html]washingtonpost.com[/url]

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

Smith sounds like a good man, based on the tiny amount i've read.

In addition to being Zorn's guy, another thing IMO that weighs in his favor is that he's black. Players don't like the coaching turnover if they're comfortable w/the coaches they have & we all know that players spoke about keeping the staff intact.

Players that are upset at some of the decisions might at least see that the Skins are at least promoting a qualified minority, and they replaced Byner likewise. I'm sure a lot of players want to see the Rooney Rule be more than lip service & formality.

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

Sounds like a good guy for the job, i think he will take it

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

[quote=freddyg12;422543]Smith sounds like a good man, based on the tiny amount i've read.

In addition to being Zorn's guy, another thing IMO that weighs in his favor is that he's black. Players don't like the coaching turnover if they're comfortable w/the coaches they have & we all know that players spoke about keeping the staff intact.

Players that are upset at some of the decisions might at least see that the Skins are at least promoting a qualified minority, and they replaced Byner likewise. [B]I'm sure a lot of players want to see the Rooney Rule be more than lip service & formality[/B].[/quote]

What makes you think that?

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

[quote=Mattyk72;422608]What makes you think that?[/quote]

Perhaps because a majority of the players are African American? Technically it is not the 'Rooney Rule' when talking about assistant coaches, of course, but I think he was just expressing some satisfaction at having some minorities in upper level positions (not that the Redskins haven't had any in recent years, including Hue Jackson under Spurrier).

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

[quote=Mattyk72;422608]What makes you think that?[/quote]

Because of the # of black players & the # of players that go into coaching after their careers. And I'm sure that black players that have no intention of becoming coaches still want to see others get jobs that in the past were not open to them.

My point w/the post is that unfairness, whether percieved or real, is not good for employee morale.

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

[quote=SC Skins Fan;422610]Perhaps because a majority of the players are African American? Technically it is not the 'Rooney Rule' when talking about assistant coaches, of course, but I think he was just expressing some satisfaction at having some minorities in upper level positions (not that the Redskins haven't had any in recent years, including Hue Jackson under Spurrier).[/quote]

I was just wondering if this view was based on something the players have expressed.

I'm not sure they really care to be honest. I'm sure some do, but it's not like we hear any sort of major outcry over this.

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

[quote=SC Skins Fan;422610]Perhaps because a majority of the players are African American? Technically it is not the 'Rooney Rule' when talking about assistant coaches, of course, but I think he was just expressing some satisfaction at having some minorities in upper level positions (not that the Redskins haven't had any in recent years, including Hue Jackson under Spurrier).[/quote]

yes on your first statement. I realize the Rooney Rule applies only to head coaches, but the intent of it is to get more blacks promoted & the best way to become a head coach is to first become a coordinator. (unless of course Snyder & Vinny like you, but I digress)

I think it would be natural for black players to become cynical about the Rooney Rule & the nfl's statements about minority hiring, if they didn't see their own employers taking some steps in this direction. Of course, you could take my argument about the positives of Smith being hired & turn it on its head & say, well the Skins didn't hire Meeks who is black & instead hired a guy who isn't even a coordinator. But my point is that considering we've already hired Zorn (not debating the merits thereof btw), bringing Smith & Mitchell in [I]could[/I] be viewed positively by the players because they're both black former players turned coaches who want to advance their careers.

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

[quote=Mattyk72;422614]I was just wondering if this view was based on something the players have expressed.

I'm not sure they really care to be honest. I'm sure some do, but it's not like we hear any sort of major outcry over this.[/quote]

No Matty, just speculation on my part.

You won't hear any "major outcry" from the players, but if there were no black coaches being promoted after x no. of years w/the Rooney Rule, there would be some bad publicity. While I don't know from experience, I would bet that a large no. of players certainly feel strongly about it, even if they're not compelled to any sort of activism.

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

WTF are you on about? I'm I missing something or didn't the Skins promote Greg Blache? Besides, all players really care about is winning and $$$.

This whole Rooney Rule shit is starting to irritate me.

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

Posted at 4:33 PM ET, 02/15/2008
Smith delays decision
Jason Reid reports: Tennessee Titans assistant coach Sherman Smith needs more time to decide whether to join the Redskins, league sources said.
Smith said yesterday that he was leaning toward accepting an offer to become Washington's offensive coordinator under new head coach Jim Zorn, Smith's former teammate and close friend. But Smith early today informed Tennessee Coach Jeff Fisher he planned to reject Washington's offer and remain with the Titans.
At some point in the afternoon, Smith, a member of Fisher's Titans staff since 1995, contacted Zorn to discuss his decision. After speaking with Zorn, Smith called Fisher and said he had decided to reconsider leaving the Titans, the sources said. Fisher told Smith to take his time, and Fisher and Zorn are waiting as Smith huddles with his family.
When I spoke with Smith yesterday, I got the feeling he thought joining Zorn would be best for his career but he really likes Nashville. Smith is a deeply religious man, people who know him well say, and he told me his faith would help to guide him to the right path.
As someone who recently changed jobs after being in one place for a long time, I can relate to many of the emotions Smith told me he was experiencing yesterday. The good news for Zorn is that Smith is taking more time, but Smith's ties to Nashville obviously are strong.

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

Get this guy outta here. Is he going to coach the same way he makes big decisions? I can certainly accept that he loves where he is at, but this back and forth is a bad sign no matter how people might like to justify it. Everything this guy is doing just doesn't say Field General in any way.

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

[QUOTE=celts32;422674]Posted at 4:33 PM ET, 02/15/2008
Smith delays decision
Jason Reid reports: Tennessee Titans assistant coach Sherman Smith needs more time to decide whether to join the Redskins, league sources said.
Smith said yesterday that he was leaning toward accepting an offer to become Washington's offensive coordinator under new head coach Jim Zorn, Smith's former teammate and close friend. But Smith early today informed Tennessee Coach Jeff Fisher he planned to reject Washington's offer and remain with the Titans.
At some point in the afternoon, Smith, a member of Fisher's Titans staff since 1995, contacted Zorn to discuss his decision. After speaking with Zorn, Smith called Fisher and said he had decided to reconsider leaving the Titans, the sources said. Fisher told Smith to take his time, and Fisher and Zorn are waiting as Smith huddles with his family.
When I spoke with Smith yesterday, I got the feeling he thought joining Zorn would be best for his career but he really likes Nashville. Smith is a deeply religious man, people who know him well say, and he told me his faith would help to guide him to the right path.
As someone who recently changed jobs after being in one place for a long time, I can relate to many of the emotions Smith told me he was experiencing yesterday. The good news for Zorn is that Smith is taking more time, but Smith's ties to Nashville obviously are strong.[/QUOTE]

Oh yay! Now we'll get more "nobody wants to be a coach here" posts.

Anyway, this indecision is sort of why I brought this up yesterday

[url]http://www.redskinswarpath.com/422446-post8.html[/url]

The Jason's and the WaPo sports staff dig holes for themselves with their poor editing.

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

Smith is a done deal... will be announced shortly.

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

[QUOTE=EEich;422695]Smith is a done deal... will be announced shortly.[/QUOTE]


JLC Just updated, Done deal

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

So the full staff is set now?

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

[QUOTE=SmootSmack;422701]So the full staff is set now?[/QUOTE]


And I guess we can officially welcome Sherman Smith to the Redskin family.

Z-Man got his man.

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

[quote=Longtimefan;422697]JLC Just updated, Done deal[/quote]

Poor JLC, the guy can't get a break. I say the guys going to die this offseason due to sleep deprivation. Dan Snyder on the other hand has turned himself into a cyborg, that way he use all day to process NFL coaching canidates and free agents that he can spend money on. It's hard keeping track of a cyborg.

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

I agree

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

And awaaaaaaaaaaay they go!

Time to win the offseason baby!

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

[QUOTE=Dirtbag359;422703]Poor JLC, the guy can't get a break. I say the guys going to die this offseason due to sleep deprivation. Dan Snyder on the other hand has turned himself into a cyborg, that way he use all day to process NFL coaching canidates and free agents that he can spend money on. It's hard keeping track of a cyborg.[/QUOTE]


He's mentioned on more than one ocasion how the process has taken it's toll on him. It's amazing how he's battled that traffic on Interstate 95, back and forth between Ashburn Va. & Baltimore. Dont koow how he manages.

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

[QUOTE=freddyg12;422543]Smith sounds like a good man, based on the tiny amount i've read.

In addition to being Zorn's guy, another thing IMO that weighs in his favor is that he's black. Players don't like the coaching turnover if they're comfortable w/the coaches they have & we all know that players spoke about keeping the staff intact.

Players that are upset at some of the decisions might at least see that the Skins are at least promoting a qualified minority, and they replaced Byner likewise. I'm sure a lot of players want to see the Rooney Rule be more than lip service & formality.[/QUOTE]


I had posted a simular thought in the Zorn Hire thread and I agree. However, as a result of Sherman Smith taking this position it can only serve to better his positions for future opportunities should they arise. I have always felt the "Rooney Rule" was a joke-style, but no substance. There's just no way to be able to determine the true effectiveness of it. Granted, the originator of the rule may have had good intent, but the actual result of it are far from encouraging.

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

He has taken the job. Can change title to HAS DECIDED


[URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-redskins-smith&prov=ap&type=lgns"]Titans' Sherman Smith joins Redskins as offensive coordinator - NFL - Yahoo! Sports[/URL]

Re: Insider: Sherman Smith...Still Deciding
 

[QUOTE=Darrell_Green_28;422730]He has taken the job. Can change title to HAS DECIDED


[URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-redskins-smith&prov=ap&type=lgns"]Titans' Sherman Smith joins Redskins as offensive coordinator - NFL - Yahoo! Sports[/URL][/QUOTE]

I am trying to reserve myself to only positive thinking, but I am not sure I am on board with this signing either. We have unlimited resources to get top of the line coaches, and we are settling for bottom of the barrel.
Smith was an RB coach at Miami University (that's Ohio), he was also tight end and RB coach at university of illinios, he then became the RB coach for the Titans in 1995, and wasn't promoted until 2006 as assistant head coach offense of an offense that has sucked the past couple years.
I don't know man...I am not at all happy with our coaches right now...I am so hoping this works out, just unsure of how wise these hirings are.

Re: (Updated Title) Sherman Smith Joins Redskins as OC
 

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington! I think Sherman Smith is a great hire. He knows the offense inside and out, and will take a load off of Coach Zorn so that he can focus on quarterback coaching. He's an excellent teacher, and will be Coach Zorn's proxy in transmitting to the players the West Coach offense, and will be a great help in designing plays as well I'm sure.

I can tell he's a good man from everything I've seen, and will be a positive and balancing influence on the players as the coaching adminstration transition period goes along and the players learn a new offense.

Not every coach we hire can already be in the Hall of Fame. It's about talent, it's about fitting into a situation, being the right piece of the puzzle. This is the right place for Coach Smith and I'm glad he's on board.

Re: (Updated Title) Sherman Smith Joins Redskins as OC
 

Somehow I'm not impressed with this hiring at all. The jury will be out until after the season ends. I will at least give this guy the benefit of the doubt.

Re: (Updated Title) Sherman Smith Joins Redskins as OC
 

[QUOTE=4mrusmc;423360]Somehow I'm not impressed with this hiring at all. The jury will be out until after the season ends. I will at least give this guy the benefit of the doubt.[/QUOTE]

agreed.

Re: (Updated Title) Sherman Smith Joins Redskins as OC
 

yet another coach who hires someone 2 be their OFC & then wants to call the plays then why hire an OFC let them do the job you hired them 4

Re: (Updated Title) Sherman Smith Joins Redskins as OC
 

A coach has to be able to bring in his own people to work on his system. You cannot force feed too many different coaches with random system. It doesnt matter how much money we have, kinda like the US basketball team(you cant just have all these big names who dont blend well). Plus Zorn already has to work with Bugel, and other members still left over from non-wco.