Jim Zorn is convinced, publicly at least, that his coaching staff remains bonded. Even as reports circulate that one of them interviewed for a job that isn’t even open yet: Zorn’s.
And, Zorn said, he’s not going to great lengths to find out if Jerry Gray did, indeed, interview for the position as has been reported. The Redskins are heavily pursuing former Denver coach Mike Shanahan and, to get a head start on signing him immediately once the season ends, they need to satisfy the NFL’s Rooney Rule by interviewing a minority candidate. Gray would fulfill that requirement.
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But, suffice to say, it would create tension if he was interviewing for a job that was not yet open.
“I do know this,” Zorn said. “I really don’t want to have an answer for that specific question or my longevity-here questions. I really believe that our staff is pretty together. It still is. We are frustrated because we’re losing. I do feel pretty good about our staff. I don’t know all the stuff that’s going on inside.”
After Monday’s 45-12 loss to the New York Giants, Gray made it clear that he did not want to discuss the situation at all, not even to deny that, perhaps, he had interviewed for the job.
“No questions about that. No head coach questions. None. Zero,” Gray said.
Zorn said he’s not going to waste time trying to sort through rumors and speculation. And the answers won’t be coming from him; his Monday press conference lasted approximately 10 minutes — the shortest in his two years.
“I’m trying not to be the investigative reporter,” he said. “I’m trying to be the head football coach and be open with staff and players about the important things going on as they pertain to the game, as they pertain to our preparation and the strategies, the schemes, the health of our players. That’s the focal point. That’s what I’m called to do.”
He said it would only bother him, “If I allowed it to.”
It just adds to the surreal nature of this season for Zorn, who has had to deal with numerous obstacles. From injuries to offensive consultants to play-caller changes, new issues arise often. Now he’s left to answer questions about his job for another two weeks until the season ends, at which time it’s expected he’ll be fired.
Last week, when asked if it was one of the most bizarre seasons in his 24 in the NFL, he said, “Yes, but I would say we have to deal with circumstances as they come. It’s how we respond and react to them.”
The Redskins hired Bruce Allen to be the executive vice president and general manager last week. He and Zorn have already met on numerous occasions, though he has little chance, if any, at saving his job.
“We’ve had some really positive conversations and observations,” Zorn said. “He’s insightful as well. Everything has been upfront, positive and straight forward. We’re moving in the right direction.”
