Zorn will have his team

by talbear13 on Feb 13, 2008 12:01 AM EST

There's been a lot of talk recently about the possibility of Jim Zorn's finding himself a "lame duck" coach because of the framework already put in place beneath him during the HC hunt.
If you haven't already heard, Sherman Smith of the Titans (assistant head coach-offense) has been interviewing for the position of offensive coordinator (recently vacated by Jim Zorn), and Stump Mitchell is interviewing for the position of running backs coach (currently held by Ernest Byner). Let's never underestimate Dan's proclivity for wasting money or for making big capricious personnel moves. If he trusts Jim Zorn, and I think he must, Zorn will get whomever he wants wherever he wants them.
Lame duck coaching doesn't happen when an owner is willing and able to pay the contracts of two coaches (replacement and replaced) to do one job.

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welcome!

This is true -- for better or worse. We just hired a guy whose last job was at St. Olaf in Minnesota. Yikes.

Zorn seems to have a lot of credibility around the league, and most people seem to think he was worthy of a promotion at some point. He's not attracting Al Saunders and Gregg Williams, but he may be bringing in a whole new bunch of faces. Who knows anymore. At least he has a good team to work with.

PS- this was Talbear's first post. Welcome buddy. He was kind enough to join us. He's one of my best friends in the whole world, so treat him well.

by mmford10 on Feb 13, 2008 12:08 AM EST reply actions

Byner is currently unemployed.

His contract was up after last season.

by TexSkins on Feb 13, 2008 12:28 AM EST reply actions

That's actually a really good call...

For all the noise made by the likes of me about how Jim Zorn is precisely the kind of coach a meddlesome owner like Dan Snyder would want, he seems to be getting a lot of latitude in who he gets to hire. If Dan wanted to meddle, he's simply choose the OC (as he did with Zorn) and leave the rest of the staff alone, since he's also picked them. Instead, there's good reason to think Zorn will be the reason we select Smith (as he played with Jim in Seattle so many years ago).

Like you said, I think Zorn will get his guys and, if he does, that goes against what I would've predicted believing that Zorn was chosen by Snyder for being eminently controllable.

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by Skin Patrol on Feb 13, 2008 1:33 AM EST reply actions

Concern, with coach

Sherman Smith of the Titans is not showing a "fire in his belly" in deciding if he will become the new OC for Zorn.
Passion goes a long way to overcome little experience, but a lack of passion cannot be overcome.
I started out looking forward to Sherman coming and helping, initially it sounded like being an OC was his dream, but now the comfortability of 13 years with an organization is holding him back.
Sherman go with the heart, don't take the job out of friendship...Zorn needs the passion, not the friendship as head coach!

by dr WNC on Feb 14, 2008 7:05 PM EST reply actions

I have to disagree...

He is waiting to give his answer out of respect for Jeff Fisher who has been with him for a long time. I think that people will see that as an admirable thing and not a lack of passion. It shows a lot of character in my opinion.

by Romans12 on Feb 15, 2008 12:40 AM EST reply actions

You're Right

This quote from the Post today, takes care of my concerns...jumped the gun on that one...

"No question about it, I'm really excited about the opportunity Z-man has offered me," Smith said yesterday, referring to Zorn. "I work for a great organization right now, and he's giving me a chance to work for another great organization. I've heard great things about the Redskins and I obviously know about Z-man and what he wants to accomplish. I feel really comfortable about a lot of this, but there is a process I have to follow

by dr WNC on Feb 15, 2008 8:38 AM EST up reply actions

He accepted, I hope is heart is in it...

From AP news:
It was a hard decision because I couldn't make a bad decision," Smith said. Smith said he was drawn by the chance to reunite with ex-teammate Zorn. "The opportunity to work with Jim, the opportunity to develop further as a coach and in the coordinator position and to be a part of the Redskins' organization, I'm looking forward to that," Smith said.

But according to the post:
initially rejecting the offer yesterday(Friday) to become the Redskins' offensive coordinator, Smith reconsidered and became the final member of new head coach Jim Zorn's coaching staff.
"Well, when I tried to tell Z-man [Zorn] about my decision, he had some things to say to me," Smith said. "He said, 'Just think about it for a few more hours and we'll talk later.' When I did, I realized Washington is where I need to be now."

Sherman Smith appears to be an outstanding individual according to reports, I hope the Redskins get him 100% including the heart he had to initially get into Pro-Football otherwise this could be a failure or a lot of extra work for Zorn.

by dr WNC on Feb 16, 2008 1:05 PM EST reply actions