Redskins dump Zorn

In a move which surprised absolutely nobody, the Washington Redskins fired Jim Zorn as their head coach. Redskins GM Bruce Allen informed Zorn of the decision as the team arrived back home after a 23-20 loss in San Diego. Allen's next decision will be selecting Zorn's replacement. It is widley speculated the Mike Shanahan will replace Zorn.

If you're looking to throw Zorn under the bus, you better think again. The Redskins have even erred in his departure as well as during his stay in the nation's capital.

The original intent on bringing Zorn from Seattle was to be the Redskins offensive coordinator, not as the head man. I'm not sure I agree with that move, but Zorn was viewed as an assistant that was in line to move up the ladder, so to speak. Just not that far, that quick. Redskins owner Dan Snyder wanted a big name, as he always does, and was rebuffed by them all because they knew how the "corporate ladder" worked within the Redskins organization.

Zorn was given the keys. I wonder if he really feels he made the right choice in accepting the job.

Previous to going to Washington, Zorn served as QB coach in Seattle. It's quite possible that the then higher ups in Washington viewed Zorn as the perfect guy to work with Jason Campbell. After all, look at the niche Matthew Hasselbeck has carved for himself with Zorn's aid. Campbell had undergone so many chages as his OC throughout his college and pro careers that bringing in Zorn was viewed as bringin in stability. That's what Campbell needs. It never materialized and while Zorn isn't without fault, he sure wasn't the only culprit. The firing of Vinny Cerrato proved that.

After losing to the Detroit Lions earlier this season, Zorn had his offensive play calling duties taken away (by Cerrato) and Sherman Lewis (right) was brought in as an "offensive consultant". To me, that signaled panic within the Redskins organization. To make matters worse, from a PR standpoint, we all heard what Lewis was doing previous to revisiting Washington. Lewis would further himself by actually devising a system to call plays, of sorts. From there, Zorn was on a sinking ship that never really could plug the leak. And a once proud franchise was developing into the butt of many jokes around the NFL.

Another issue that has been brought up is the use of Snyder's money to bring in free agents. That process holds eerie similarities to how the New York Yankees conduct themselves in the baseball world. Snyder basically had a open checkbook and the now departed Cerrato was never shy about throwing the dough around. The Redskins brass figured if the Yankees can do it in baseball, we can do it in football. Snyder has the bucks even if we exceed the cap and have to pay the extra. That theory has not produced the anticipated results.

The most bizarre and tasteless move the Redskins made was interviewing candidates as long as two weeks ago. Redskins secondary coach Jerry Gray was interviewed at Snyder's home accroding to a report by Jason LaCanfora on NFL.com. I guess Snyder couldn't wait. Sure, the Rooney Rule was exercised (and it needs to be), but couldn't Snyder have waited until today? Or a least after yesterday's game?

I can understand that you want to get a new coach in as soon as possible so you can begin to rebuild, but interviewing before the season is over? Just like Zorn's play calling duties were stripped, so was Zorn's dignity.

So what can we take away from the Jim Zorn era in D.C.?

Money can't buy championships. Hire a guy with a bit more experience to run your team.

And most importantly, show a little class.