Related story » Redskins: Knockout blow?
There is only one question remaining now that the Redskins are essentially out of the playoffs — who’s coaching the team next year?
Coach Jim Zorn looked like the next Joe Gibbs at 6-2. At 7-7 with an offense that averaged 11 points over six games, Zorn’s looking more like Richie Petitbon — one and done.
It will be the latest move to define Redskins owner Dan Snyder and it’s a very difficult one. Snyder must decide if it’s worth starting over again. If Zorn really deserves the quick hook. If the league has figured out Zorn’s offense and the recent 1-5 slide is a future trend. Whether Bill Cowher really can be bought out of retirement.
The fair move is to retain Zorn. A coach should never be fired after one season no matter what. He deserves a second chance to develop his system, his roster, his style.
But, anyone over age 18 knows life isn’t always fair. Otherwise, we’d all be rich, thin and retired. It wasn’t fair for Wizards coach Eddie Jordan to be fired. Certainly, Washington’s basketball team hasn’t fared much better without him.
The next two weeks will mean everything to Zorn’s future. If the Redskins finish 7-9 — and there’s a real chance after losing 20-13 yesterday to previously 1-11-1 Cincinnati with yet another lifeless effort — then Snyder must show real backbone to keep his coach.
Coaches live in a bubble — they barely notice the leaves turning color every fall. Zorn seemed unfazed by questions over his future.
“I’m also objective enough to know we have a long way to go and confident enough in my abilities to stand firm,” he said. “The speculation and ideas and conversation and criticism — they’ll be there, but that’s the way it will be.”
Indeed, fans will talk of Zorn’s future nonstop. What else is there to discuss? The undisciplined play for nine penalties? The dormant offense? The questionable playcalling, including two failed runs by Mike Sellers on the goal line instead of Clinton Portis? The shoe shining by Santana Moss in the end zone trailing 17-7? The general sluggishness in a game that meant everything? The defense allowing yet another long late scoring drive when the Redskins desperately needed the ball back?
The Redskins have massive changes ahead in 2009 no matter who’s coaching. Snyder could have ended speculation over Zorn last week and didn’t. Let’s see what he says now.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
