Defensive backs coach still subject of rumors
ASHBURN – Jerry Gray continues to be silent on what happened. A league watchdog is not. And the head coach is trying not to be bothered by it all.
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When it comes to a season that already topped most in terms of unsuspecting twists, another one was added. Gray continues to decline comment on whether or not he interviewed for a job that isn’t even open, while the Fritz Pollard Alliance, a group that works with the NFL to enhance opportunities for minority coaches, said that he has. The NFL does not always consult with the FPA over these matters.
But FPA chairman John Wooten said Gray, Washington’s secondary coach, told him last week that he had interviewed for the head coaching position.
Wooten said Redskins owner Dan Snyder talked to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to get permission to speak with Gray for the position. Wooten said the commissioner then told him about Washington’s plans. Gray is on the NFL’s list of qualified minority candidates.
“I followed that to make sure that it was legitimate,” Wooten said. “Everything I asked him he said that’s the way it went down and I went one step further and called Greg Blache to make sure he was satisfied with what happened.”
Wooten said his only desire is that Gray interview with new executive vice president/general manager Bruce Allen. The initial interview took place with former executive vice president Vinny Cerrato.
Meanwhile, Jim Zorn is still the head coach. But with a 4-11 record — and a 6-17 mark in his last 23 games — he’s expected to be fired sometime after Sunday’s finale at San Diego. Rumors have been rampant for months.
“It’s all around,” he said. “I get hit with the look. And I get all that. I just have to press on. I made a decision when the first inkling of all this speculation, I think it was after we beat the Rams, 9-7 … that I’m gonna stay focused and see this through. I truly am having a great experience. It’s not fun, but it is a great experience. There are better days ahead. We’re trying to deal with all the adversity that comes each day. Each week it’s been something different.”
But every week there’s been one constant source of rumors: Zorn’s job security. He’s been on the so-called hot seat since the Sept. 27 loss in Detroit.
“I don’t want to moan and groan about it all,” Zorn said. “I don’t want to create a situation where people look at me and feel sorry for me. I’m responsible. I’m the head football coach and we’ve got four [wins] under our belt. That’s not good, regardless of the situation we’re in … The examination of all the things that went on should happen after the season. There’s too much responsibility during the season to speculate.”
Zorn said he remained confident in his offensive scheme. The Redskins had scored 88 points in a three-game span only to get a combined 12 in the next two.
“I’m sure everyone lacks confidence in what we’ve been doing,” he said. “After the season we have to evaluate. We have to evaluate the players. We have to evaluate the scheme and all the things involved.”
