Rick Snider » The end of the Zorn era begins
By: Rick Snider
Examiner Sports Columnist
October 11, 2009
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| The beginning of the end of Jim Zorn’s tenure with the Redskins occurred this week when the team hired an offensive consultant, writes Examiner columnist Rick Snider. (Getty Images) |
Dan Snyder has set up Jim Zorn for failure.
The Washington Redskins are once more a circus as they face the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The season is only one-fourth done and already the owner is angling for his next coach. By bringing in “offensive consultant” Sherman Lewis, Snyder will soon have someone to call plays if he fires Zorn.
Anyone who doesn’t see how this will end is frankly naïve. Snyder has undermined Zorn with the players and public. Things can only end badly. A continued offensive malaise could send Zorn packing during the Nov. 1 bye.
Snyder clearly is working on Zorn’s successor. Lewis bridges the transition while allowing the Redskins to pursue several big-name candidates during the season’s final weeks before other teams have a chance, in particular Dallas should the Cowboys not reach the playoffs.
Snyder couldn’t get a half dozen candidates to take the job in 2008 before promoting Zorn from recently-hired offensive coordinator. Nothing has changed to make the job any more enticing. Indeed, Snyder’s recent moves once more show his impatience that would keep any marquee prospect from coming to Washington. Clearly, Snyder hasn’t grown as an owner over 10 years.
Vice president Vinny Cerrato likes to say Washington and his former team San Francisco used “consultants.” What Cerrato doesn’t say is it always ended badly for the incumbent.
Snyder hired Bill Arnsparger to help defensive coordinator Mike Nolan in 1999 despite a 3-1 start. Snyder was only in his third month as owner and quickly focused on outing Nolan, whom head coach Norv Turner refused to fire. Arnsparger, 72, was known to fall asleep in meetings. Nolan’s contract wasn’t renewed the next season, but he wouldn’t have returned for more of Snyder’s baiting at any price. Foge Fazio and Joe Bugel consulted in 2003 and Steve Spurrier didn’t return for 2004. In San Francisco, Bill Walsh consulted with offensive coordinator Marc Trestman in 1996. Trestman didn’t survive despite the 49ers ranking third in points.
My favorite was Jim Marshall coming to Washington in 2000 as, well, we’re still not certain. But, the players were so leery of him being Snyder’s spy that they dubbed Marshall “007.”
Will this current consultant help? Zorn is willing to listen and Lewis isn’t looking for a job as incentive to undermine the coach. Still, the Redskins are headed for another new coach next season barring an amazing turnaround.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com or e-mail rsnider@washingtonexaminer.com.
