BREAKING NEWS: Multiple Sources Confirm Jim Zorn Named Head Coach

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by Stuck in TX

Redskins had over 50 candidates.... I know there are a few members here that are in the media industry. Can anyone muster 50 names? and 10 fianlists... Does anyone think maybe these numbers were skewed to make up for the long process?

Link: Redskins Detail Head Coach Search

Mora
Zorn
Schwartz
Fassel
Mariucci
Williams
Meeks
Spagnuolo
Carroll
Cowher

That's 10 finalists right there. And I'm sure 50 total names wouldn't be too hard to compile

[redwagonskins]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Mora
Zorn
Schwartz
Fassel
Mariucci
Williams
Meeks
Spagnuolo
Carroll
Cowher

That's 10 finalists right there. And I'm sure 50 total names wouldn't be too hard to compile

With all due respect SmootSmack, that really isn't a list of finalists is it? Schwartz got 1 interview, Carroll got a cup of coffee, Mora and Spags withdrew, and Cowher never so much as said a word. The Skins may call these guys their finalists but I look at a finalist as someone who would actually consider taking the job.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by redwagonskins

With all due respect SmootSmack, that really isn't a list of finalists is it? Schwartz got 1 interview, Carroll got a cup of coffee, Mora and Spags withdrew, and Cowher never so much as said a word. The Skins may call these guys their finalists but I look at a finalist as someone who would actually consider taking the job.

I guess it's how you define finalists

[redwagonskins]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

I guess it's how you define finalists

You're probably right and DS and VC probably have a much broader definition than I may.

[MTK]

I've got so many thoughts on this hire so I'll just lay them out:

-Didn't see this move coming at all. I really hope this was more due to them just loving Zorn and realizing he would be a great fit vs. an underwhelming list of available candidates. I really liked the move when we picked him up as the OC, and I thought he would be a good choice to groom as a potential HC in a few years.

-I like what he brings to the table with his coaching background, even though he's never been a HC or OC at this level. He seems to be pretty highly regarded around the league and from his ex-players.

-Why not go this route? We've tried the legend route with Gibbs, the hot college coach in Spurrier, and the wise veteran with Marty. Guess it's time for the unknown, totally "not sexy" hire with Zorn.

-Is he really ready for this? The jump from QB coach to HC is a big one. By all accounts though he's a sharp guy and very well organized. He also sounds like a players coach with a pretty even keeled temper, so it should be a fairly smooth transition from Gibbs.

-I'm just wondering how much patience the front office will have. Is this really a long term commitment, or will they be looking to dump him and go after Cowher if the team doesn't come storming out of the gate this year? I say you've gotta to give him a realistic shot. Unless he's just a complete disaster, you've got to give him at least 2-3 seasons.

-Overall I like the move even though I'm still trying to soak it all in. I was ok with Fassel but at the same time he was a very ho-hum candidate. He may have been a better choice for the short term, but who knows... perhaps this is Snyder's version of Joe Gibbs 1.0. When Gibbs first came on the scene he was basically an unknown and he turned out "ok". Either way I'm just glad the search is over so we can start focusing on free agency and the draft.

[AlvinWalton'sNeckBrace]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

I've got so many thoughts on this hire so I'll just lay them out:

-Didn't see this move coming at all. I really hope this was more due to them just loving Zorn and realizing he would be a great fit vs. an underwhelming list of available candidates. I really liked the move when we picked him up as the OC, and I thought he would be a good choice to groom as a potential HC in a few years.

-I like what he brings to the table with his coaching background, even though he's never been a HC or OC at this level. He seems to be pretty highly regarded around the league and from his ex-players.

-Why not go this route? We've tried the legend route with Gibbs, the hot college coach in Spurrier, and the wise veteran with Marty. Guess it's time for the unknown, totally "not sexy" hire with Zorn.

-Is he really ready for this? The jump from QB coach to HC is a big one. By all accounts though he's a sharp guy and very well organized. He also sounds like a players coach with a pretty even keeled temper, so it should be a fairly smooth transition from Gibbs.

-I'm just wondering how much patience the front office will have. Is this really a long term commitment, or will they be looking to dump him and go after Cowher if the team doesn't come storming out of the gate this year? I say you've gotta to give him a realistic shot. Unless he's just a complete disaster, you've got to give him at least 2-3 seasons.

-Overall I like the move even though I'm still trying to soak it all in. I was ok with Fassel but at the same time he was a very ho-hum candidate. He may have been a better choice for the short term, but who knows... perhaps this is Snyder's version of Joe Gibbs 1.0. When Gibbs first came on the scene he was basically an unknown and he turned out "ok". Either way I'm just glad the search is over so we can start focusing on free agency and the draft.

I think the thing people have to remember is that this is a winning team. We're not the falcons or dolphins. He is inheriting a team that knows how to win full of coaches who already know the players. He doesn't have to "turn us around" so to speak. I would be in more of a panic say if we had handed a 4-12 team over to a newbie. This should be an easier transition than that.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by AlvinWalton'sNeckBrace

I think the thing people have to remember is that this is a winning team. We're not the falcons or dolphins. He is inheriting a team that knows how to win full of coaches who already know the players. He doesn't have to "turn us around" so to speak. I would be in more of a panic say if we had handed a 4-12 team over to a newbie. This should be an easier transition than that.

True but that also brings some extra pressure too. He's going to be expected to win right away. If we crash and burn he will undoubtedly take the brunt of the blame.

[TheSmurfs22]

I like the hiring and promotion of Zorn. I am glad Snyder did not necessarily go for a big name. Maybe he learned that a big name coach or player does not always translate into wins.
I will be curious to see who the new OC will be.
The big question how long will it take for the players and new coach to come together mentally and emotionally, especially after all that happened last season. All the X's and O's are not going to make a bit of a difference unless the players and staff be in sync mentally.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by TheSmurfs22

I like the hiring and promotion of Zorn. I am glad Snyder did not necessarily go for a big name. Maybe he learned that a big name coach or player does not always translate into wins.
I will be curious to see who the new OC will be.
The big question how long will it take for the players and new coach to come together mentally and emotionally, especially after all that happened last season. All the X's and O's are not going to make a bit of a difference unless the players and staff be in sync mentally.

I'm guessing Zorn will still be in charge of the offense and maybe he will hire an assistant to help mentor JC.

[skinsfan_nn]

JLC blog, More details of the hiring of Zorn. Jim's gonna be wearing a lot of hats.

Redskins Insider

[redwagonskins]

Originally Posted by skinsfan_nn

JLC blog, More details of the hiring of Zorn. Jim's gonna be wearing a lot of hats.

Redskins Insider

Man, I hope this part is not true:
"Also, though Earnest Byner did in fact go to Redskins Park to sign his contract last week - the one-year offer that was on the table - league sources said the team then balked at him. The Redskins are trying to land Seattle RB Coach Stump Mitchell to do that job here, league sources said, and he too is close to Zorn and has worked with him for many years. The Redskins would like to convince the Seahawks to do a coaching swap of sorts, with Byner landing in Seattle (all of this, again, is ridiculously unfair to Byner,) with Mitchell going here and Byner going there."
I am hoping this is just rumor and innuendo, but if so, Byner is getting a raw deal.

[skinsfan_nn]

Yea if that is true, that is just wrong on the Byner deal. I thought he had already signed the 1 year extension, I guess not. Thats just wrong.

[MTK]

Well if they were hot and heavy in talks with Zorn at the time Byner tried to sign I guess I could understand it. Sounds like they want to give Zorn the chance to bring in some of his own guys.

[Scubadive123]

This is really bad, Seems like everyone is happy about Jim Zorn and him bringing the pass happy WCO here here, Does anyone remamber Steve Sperrier, What a lousy time that was for the Redskins.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by Scubadive123

This is really bad, Seems like everyone is happy about Jim Zorn and him bringing the pass happy WCO here here, Does anyone remamber Steve Sperrier, What a lousy time that was for the Redskins.

You're comparing the two? Seriously?