Zorn becomes SKINS new OC.

skinsfan_nn · 01-25-2008, 07:18 PM

JLC: Redskin Insider

Posted at 5:53 PM ET, 01/25/2008
Zorn Deal is True

This is from Jason Reid: We've confirmed an ESPN report that Jim Zorn has been hired as the Redskins' new offensive coordinator even though a head coach has not been named. We reported a couple days ago that Zorn was at the top of Jim Fassel's list of potential offensive coordinators and is very highly regarded by Gregg Williams as well.
The hiring of Zorn likely means that associate head coach -- offense Al Saunders is finished with the team. Owner Daniel Snyder and vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato were privately critical of the offense's performance under Saunders the past two seasons. The two were especially concerned, sources said, about the development of young quarterback Jason Campbell, whose progress is the organization's top priority.
UPDATE II: A source with knowledge of the situation said this evening that Saunders has been told to look for work elsewhere and that he does not expect to return to the team in any capacity.
Word of Zorn's hiring comes a day after Joe Gibbs called Redskins assistant coaches to tell them that the search for his replacement is likely to take several more weeks.
"They haven't told us anything [about Zorn]," one Redskins assistant said. "I heard about it on the radio. I have no idea what it means for us."

skinsfan69 · 01-25-2008, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longtimefan

Al Saunders offense is a good one, but a complex one. The last thing a young QB needs is a complex offense. Jason will mature more rapidly in a more simplified offense. Seven hundred pages is a bit much for any QB let alone one just starting out in the league.

Sorry but the west coast offense is VERY COMPLICATED w/ a ton of verbage and it's more complicated than Al's offense. When I use to play football we ran something like the Coyell, Gibbs offense. It's tough for the Qb but it's very very easy for everyone else.

SmootSmack · 01-25-2008, 07:20 PM

I'm just saying maybe Gibbs at some point during the year asked him. Or maybe Campbell said, or maybe it was just apparent that for him (and for everyone else) they were more comfortable with a system more similar to Musgrave's (and Zorn's and the dude who coached Campbell in college. I know, I know. College doesn't count, right?) than Saunders'.

I mean I don't know how much clearer I can be that Saunders, in my opinion, earned the right to get at least one more year here. And whether he's comfortable or not now, I have no doubt Campbell is fully capable of eventually mastering the offense.

But we can sit here and bitch about it and have post after post of how stupid it all is, or try to make some sense out of it. Much to the disbelief of many of you, Redskins Park isn't filled with mindless idiots who put no thought or consideration into anything.

drew54 · 01-25-2008, 07:21 PM

This means a defensive minded head coach, or a "West Coast" guy who likes Zorn will be our head coach.

So GW, Fassel, and ?

skinsfan69 · 01-25-2008, 07:27 PM

[quote=SmootSmack;412872]I'm just saying maybe Gibbs at some point during the year asked him. Or maybe Campbell said, or maybe it was just apparent that for him (and for everyone else) they were more comfortable with a system more similar to Musgrave's (and Zorn's and the dude who coached Campbell in college. I know, I know. College doesn't count, right?) than Saunders'.

I mean I don't know how much clearer I can be that Saunders, in my opinion, earned the right to get at least one more year here. And whether he's comfortable or not now, I have no doubt Campbell is fully capable of eventually mastering the offense.

But we can sit here and bitch about it and have post after post of how stupid it all is, or try to make some sense out of it. Much to the disbelief of many of you, Redskins Park isn't filled with mindless idiots who put no thought or consideration into anything.[/q

IMO it's only filled with two idiots. Snyder and Vinny.

SmootSmack · 01-25-2008, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drew54

This means a defensive minded head coach, or a "West Coast" guy who likes Zorn will be our head coach.

So GW, Fassel, and ?

George Seifert!

MTK · 01-25-2008, 07:42 PM

Saunders didn't do much of anything here anyway, the first year was a disaster and the offense was actually worse in year 2 in terms of overall ranking. I saw this move coming from a mile away. I just didn't see Saunders lasting another year here, even if Gibbs came back.

Zorn could be a very good mentor for JC.

MTK · 01-25-2008, 07:43 PM

The funny thing is this move still tells us nothing about the potential HC since GW and Fassel reportedly were both high on Zorn.

redsk1 · 01-25-2008, 07:45 PM

A couple of thoughts:

I guess an offensive coach is not going to be hired b/c they'd bring in their own system

Why would we hire an o coord before a hc? Might be a wink/wink deal w/ Spagnuolo.

dirthogs311 · 01-25-2008, 07:52 PM

its obvious this move means that its gonna either be GW or Fossil, both have given Snyder and Cerrato an OK with Zorn

redsk1 · 01-25-2008, 07:54 PM

I know JF and GW think alot of Zorn, but if it was one of them why wouldn't they be hired already.

Longtimefan · 01-25-2008, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

I'm just saying maybe Gibbs at some point during the year asked him. Or maybe Campbell said, or maybe it was just apparent that for him (and for everyone else) they were more comfortable with a system more similar to Musgrave's (and Zorn's and the dude who coached Campbell in college. I know, I know. College doesn't count, right?) than Saunders'.

I mean I don't know how much clearer I can be that Saunders, in my opinion, earned the right to get at least one more year here. And whether he's comfortable or not now, I have no doubt Campbell is fully capable of eventually mastering the offense.

But we can sit here and bitch about it and have post after post of how stupid it all is, or try to make some sense out of it. Much to the disbelief of many of you, Redskins Park isn't filled with mindless idiots who put no thought or consideration into anything.

It has been said that many within the organization were just not satisfied with Al's offense, and even if Gibbs had decided to return, Al's situation still could have been in jepordy. There were many here on this board who thought when Gibbs brought Al aboard, it was not a good idea. Watching the team not being able to score in the second half against the Giants after leading 17-3 at the half, and then loosing four games in a row because the offense apeared so dysfunctional didn't sit so well at Redskin Park.

That, coupled with all the other close losses due to ineffective offense, obviously they felt perhaps a change was needed. There certainly were times during the course of the season when I wasn't satisfied with the offense either.

WillH · 01-25-2008, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

Saunders didn't do much of anything here anyway, the first year was a disaster and the offense was actually worse in year 2 in terms of overall ranking. I saw this move coming from a mile away. I just didn't see Saunders lasting another year here, even if Gibbs came back.

Zorn could be a very good mentor for JC.

Yeah I remember you calling this and I contended that it would be stupid to let Saunders go, so kudos and all that.

I think Saunders deserved at least another year, but if the organization as a whole had their doubts about him I guess it makes more sense to clean house once, and not re-adjust things once more next year if things didn't pan out. My biggest concern was about the development of JC, and it seems there could be no better option then Zorn to step in, in this situation. In one of the articles posted Hasselback apparently give this guy alot of credit especially helping him through hard times.

So good, great! I'm not thrilled Saunders is gone, but I like the move to get Zorn. Lets hope the players can get behind this guy; he has no prior experience so it might be tough to convince guys of what he is doing, but our guys dont seem to be very high maintainence. So we'll see.

I agree its strange to hire an OC before HC, but I am sure that suggests their is something in the works already.

redsk1 · 01-25-2008, 08:08 PM

I still don't understand the FO hiring Zorn unless they already have a HC. The HC is supposed to hire their staff!!! Maybe this will iron itself out, but i don't quite understand this move.

With all this, I still don't understand why the FO is intent on getting rid of Al Saunders, who's history, is one of an annual top 5 or 10 offense. It's clear that the Redskins talent is mediocre not the coaching. I don't think DS or VC can see this thru their burgundy colored glasses. Al Saunders is a great O coach. Sad to see him go.

Why do we now wait for Spagnuola to interview? If he's hired he might not want Zorn unless it's already been spoken about.

As Chris Landry said on the radio...as he laughed...it starts at the top and right now we need a football guy to make football decisions. He stated that the problem isn't our coaches b/c right now we have some of the best coaches in the league. Talent wise we're still somewhere around average.

How true. It looks like DS's making the decisions not a football guy. Sorry to be so negative, Zorn, from what I've heard is pretty impressive/hard working guy. He could turn out to be good. I just don't agree w/ hiring a staff before a HC. I also don't think alot of guys are better than Al Saunders. If so, i'd challenge anyone to name them.

redwagonskins · 01-25-2008, 08:10 PM

I have to think that there is no way the HC has not already been chosen. They may not have a contract yet but anything else doesn't make sense (and don't throw me the Jason Garrett line - he came up through their organization and there was considerable interest in him last year as well). Two things lead me to this thought: 1. why would anyone take a job where they don't know who their boss is going to be? The devil you know is better than the devil you don't. 2. What HC would come into a situation where his staff has been picked for him? Talk about a recipe for disaster.

01-25-2008, 07:18 PM	#46
skinsfan_nn Playmaker Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Newport News,Virginia Age: 60 Posts: 4,495	Re: Zorn becomes SKINS new OC. JLC: Redskin Insider Posted at 5:53 PM ET, 01/25/2008 Zorn Deal is True This is from Jason Reid: We've confirmed an ESPN report that Jim Zorn has been hired as the Redskins' new offensive coordinator even though a head coach has not been named. We reported a couple days ago that Zorn was at the top of Jim Fassel's list of potential offensive coordinators and is very highly regarded by Gregg Williams as well. The hiring of Zorn likely means that associate head coach -- offense Al Saunders is finished with the team. Owner Daniel Snyder and vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato were privately critical of the offense's performance under Saunders the past two seasons. The two were especially concerned, sources said, about the development of young quarterback Jason Campbell, whose progress is the organization's top priority. UPDATE II: A source with knowledge of the situation said this evening that Saunders has been told to look for work elsewhere and that he does not expect to return to the team in any capacity. Word of Zorn's hiring comes a day after Joe Gibbs called Redskins assistant coaches to tell them that the search for his replacement is likely to take several more weeks. "They haven't told us anything [about Zorn]," one Redskins assistant said. "I heard about it on the radio. I have no idea what it means for us." __________________ "There's no greater feeling than moving a man from Point A to Point B, against his will." #68 THANKS COACH GIBBS FOR EVERYTHING! YOUR THE MAN AND ALWAYS WILL BE! Last edited by SmootSmack; 01-25-2008 at 07:21 PM. Reason: I'm just going to shorten this to the most recent news. Thanks

01-25-2008, 07:20 PM	#48
SmootSmack Uncle Phil Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 45,256	Re: Zorn becomes SKINS new OC. I'm just saying maybe Gibbs at some point during the year asked him. Or maybe Campbell said, or maybe it was just apparent that for him (and for everyone else) they were more comfortable with a system more similar to Musgrave's (and Zorn's and the dude who coached Campbell in college. I know, I know. College doesn't count, right?) than Saunders'. I mean I don't know how much clearer I can be that Saunders, in my opinion, earned the right to get at least one more year here. And whether he's comfortable or not now, I have no doubt Campbell is fully capable of eventually mastering the offense. But we can sit here and bitch about it and have post after post of how stupid it all is, or try to make some sense out of it. Much to the disbelief of many of you, Redskins Park isn't filled with mindless idiots who put no thought or consideration into anything. __________________ You're So Vain...You Probably Think This Sig Is About You

01-25-2008, 07:21 PM	#49
drew54 The Starter Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: IOWA Age: 42 Posts: 1,324	Re: Zorn becomes SKINS new OC. This means a defensive minded head coach, or a "West Coast" guy who likes Zorn will be our head coach. So GW, Fassel, and ? __________________ No pressure, no diamonds.

01-25-2008, 07:27 PM	#50
skinsfan69 Living Legend Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 17,281	Re: Zorn becomes SKINS new OC. [quote=SmootSmack;412872]I'm just saying maybe Gibbs at some point during the year asked him. Or maybe Campbell said, or maybe it was just apparent that for him (and for everyone else) they were more comfortable with a system more similar to Musgrave's (and Zorn's and the dude who coached Campbell in college. I know, I know. College doesn't count, right?) than Saunders'. I mean I don't know how much clearer I can be that Saunders, in my opinion, earned the right to get at least one more year here. And whether he's comfortable or not now, I have no doubt Campbell is fully capable of eventually mastering the offense. But we can sit here and bitch about it and have post after post of how stupid it all is, or try to make some sense out of it. Much to the disbelief of many of you, Redskins Park isn't filled with mindless idiots who put no thought or consideration into anything.[/q IMO it's only filled with two idiots. Snyder and Vinny.

01-25-2008, 07:42 PM	#52
MTK \m/ Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: NY Age: 52 Posts: 99,518	Re: Zorn becomes SKINS new OC. Saunders didn't do much of anything here anyway, the first year was a disaster and the offense was actually worse in year 2 in terms of overall ranking. I saw this move coming from a mile away. I just didn't see Saunders lasting another year here, even if Gibbs came back. Zorn could be a very good mentor for JC. __________________ Support The Warpath! \| Warpath Shop

01-25-2008, 07:43 PM	#53
MTK \m/ Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: NY Age: 52 Posts: 99,518	Re: Zorn becomes SKINS new OC. The funny thing is this move still tells us nothing about the potential HC since GW and Fassel reportedly were both high on Zorn. __________________ Support The Warpath! \| Warpath Shop

01-25-2008, 07:45 PM	#54
redsk1 The Starter Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 2,351	Re: Zorn becomes SKINS new OC. A couple of thoughts: I guess an offensive coach is not going to be hired b/c they'd bring in their own system Why would we hire an o coord before a hc? Might be a wink/wink deal w/ Spagnuolo.

01-25-2008, 07:52 PM	#55
dirthogs311 Special Teams Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: College Station, TX Age: 40 Posts: 305	Re: Zorn becomes SKINS new OC. its obvious this move means that its gonna either be GW or Fossil, both have given Snyder and Cerrato an OK with Zorn __________________ Al Michaels Midnight Miracle: SEAN TAYLOR CAME UP AND LEVELED HIM, I'll say....

01-25-2008, 07:54 PM	#56
redsk1 The Starter Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 2,351	Re: Zorn becomes SKINS new OC. I know JF and GW think alot of Zorn, but if it was one of them why wouldn't they be hired already.

01-25-2008, 08:08 PM	#59
redsk1 The Starter Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 2,351	Re: Zorn becomes SKINS new OC. I still don't understand the FO hiring Zorn unless they already have a HC. The HC is supposed to hire their staff!!! Maybe this will iron itself out, but i don't quite understand this move. With all this, I still don't understand why the FO is intent on getting rid of Al Saunders, who's history, is one of an annual top 5 or 10 offense. It's clear that the Redskins talent is mediocre not the coaching. I don't think DS or VC can see this thru their burgundy colored glasses. Al Saunders is a great O coach. Sad to see him go. Why do we now wait for Spagnuola to interview? If he's hired he might not want Zorn unless it's already been spoken about. As Chris Landry said on the radio...as he laughed...it starts at the top and right now we need a football guy to make football decisions. He stated that the problem isn't our coaches b/c right now we have some of the best coaches in the league. Talent wise we're still somewhere around average. How true. It looks like DS's making the decisions not a football guy. Sorry to be so negative, Zorn, from what I've heard is pretty impressive/hard working guy. He could turn out to be good. I just don't agree w/ hiring a staff before a HC. I also don't think alot of guys are better than Al Saunders. If so, i'd challenge anyone to name them.

01-25-2008, 08:10 PM	#60
redwagonskins Impact Rookie Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: San Diego Posts: 685	Re: Zorn becomes SKINS new OC. I have to think that there is no way the HC has not already been chosen. They may not have a contract yet but anything else doesn't make sense (and don't throw me the Jason Garrett line - he came up through their organization and there was considerable interest in him last year as well). Two things lead me to this thought: 1. why would anyone take a job where they don't know who their boss is going to be? The devil you know is better than the devil you don't. 2. What HC would come into a situation where his staff has been picked for him? Talk about a recipe for disaster.

Zorn becomes SKINS new OC.

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