Jim Zorn considered his options, of which there weren’t many. He could have rejected the suggestion that he turn over play-calling duties. He could have delivered a stern counter-offer, stating that he’s the head coach and it’s his call who calls plays.
Or, he could have done what he ultimately did: go along with the Redskins suggestion to have Sherman Lewis call plays. Redskins executive vice president Vinny Cerrato first talked to Zorn about the move shortly after Washington’s 14-6 loss to Kansas City (1-5). A second meeting later in the night produced Zorn’s answer.
Recommended Stories
“It was strongly suggested to me after the game that I make a play-caller change,” Zorn said. “This is not an easy thing.”
Others, such as former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, said on NBC Sunday night that Zorn should have told the Redskins (2-4) that he’ll still call the plays and if they don’t like it to fire him.
One NFL source echoed that notion.
“This was the whole reason they brought him here,” the source said. “This doesn’t make sense what he’s doing now.”
It does to Zorn.
“I tried to soul search all those things,” he said. “There’s a lot of people involved. This is a big organization. It’s got some strong leaders and I hope I’m one of those strong leaders. Sometimes we have to do things that are uncomfortable. My comfort level isn’t there, but I also look at the production. The production hasn’t been there.”
There was another reason, he said.
“Because I want to stay here and win,” he said.
Zorn added that he could have turned down the move. But he was not sure if that would have cost him his job. Cerrato declined comment Monday, which left Zorn alone at the podium to answer questions.
Clearly, Zorn did not think he was the problem.
“I have confidence in my play calls,” he said.
Before the season Cerrato told NFL sources that Zorn had to show offensive improvement to keep his job. The Redskins have declined to issue Zorn any votes of confidence because it’s a simple ultimatum: win or else. Until the season ends, or until he’s fired, Zorn’s fate will be discussed after every loss.
“Where’s his credibility [with the players]?” the NFL source said. “He might not be here next week and he won’t be here next year.”
But receiver Antwaan Randle El said, “I don’t think you lose respect; you certainly will respect his authority and decision-making.”
And they’re not blaming him alone for the offensive problems: Washington ranks 27th in scoring and averages 12.2 points per game, despite facing four defenses ranked 23rd or worse.
“It’s all about putting the players in the right position,” receiver Santana Moss said. “Zorn tries to do that, he really has. You can’t fault him. Every week he’s trying harder. It hasn’t been happening.”
Nobody disputes that, not even Zorn.
“We can’t continue to go on just scoring six points a game,” Zorn said. “I don’t want that. Our players don’t deserve that. If it’s really play-calling, I’m willing to try it and let’s see how this thing unveils itself.”
