Zorn Is Named Redskins Head Coach

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Zorn Takes the Lead

In his first year as a head coach, Jim Zorn has already experienced unexpected highs and difficult lows.

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By yesterday, negotiations with Zorn intensified and that evening one of Snyder's planes was sent to Seattle to pick up Zorn's family. The Redskins also contacted Fassel yesterday, telling him further communication would be coming today, league sources said.

"We're proud that our search was diligent, thorough, and resulted in today's announcement," Snyder said in a statement. "Jim's track record and reputation as a player, great teacher, and as a coach makes us confident that they will translate to success for the Redskins."

Redskins cornerback Shawn Springs was a former draft pick and star for the Seahawks and knew Zorn from his time in Seattle. Springs was enthusiastic about the possibilities but expects significant change in the offense.

"The offensive guys better be ready, I'm telling you it's going to be different from what they're used to," Springs said. "The way they ran practice and the whole philosophy of thinking is entirely differently. This system is all about speed, the quickness, the timing getting in and out of practice, from want I remember."

Ironically, Fassel and Williams both told the Redskins that Zorn, who signed a five-year contract with the team, would be their top choice to be offensive coordinator if they got the head coaching job, sources said.

"I definitely think this can be a good thing for the offense, a real good thing, now that we know Jim is going to be our next coach," wide receiver Antwaan Randle El said. "The defense was already taken care of when they moved up coach [Greg] Blache to take over. He was an in-house guy, and the right guy, and Jim is a good hire, too. He's from the outside, but he's coming in with a good reputation."

Zorn developed a reputation of being an effective tutor of quarterbacks while a position coach with the Seahawks. Zorn was initially hired to replace play-caller Al Saunders as offensive coordinator. It is unclear at the moment who will be the offensive coordinator. Zorn was expected to hold that job and be the quarterbacks coach responsible for molding young quarterback Jason Campbell, whose development is a priority for the organization.

Randle El expected Campbell to benefit from Zorn's direction as the play-caller, and having Zorn as the head coach could be even better for Campbell.

"Jason still needs that guy, the quarterbacks coach in his corner, and [Zorn] has been that guy for other quarterbacks," Randle El said. "Now he's going to be the head coach here. I think that could be big for Jason."

The two met before the Redskins lost to the Seahawks on Jan. 5.

"I introduced Jim to Jason Campbell and now I kind of regret it," Hasselbeck said. "It was before the playoff game in Seattle and Jim was standing there with me and I introduced them. They hit it off. They just stood there and talked and talked. Usually when I'm warming up Jim is there talking to me, but instead he was standing there with Jason."

Zorn spent seven seasons as quarterbacks coach for the Seahawks under Holmgren, where they shared in playoff trips for the past five seasons and one Super Bowl appearance. His elevation to head coach adds his name to Holmgren's "family tree" of quarterback coaches who moved into the head coaching ranks, joining Andy Reid (directly from quarterbacks coach to Eagles head coach), Jon Gruden, Marty Mornhinweg and Mariucci.

Springs said Zorn's experience under Holmgren should serve him well.

"I like the fact that Coach Holmgren and his staff were extremely confident and extremely well organized," Springs said. "I learned so much from being [around] those offensive coaches and Jim's been around enough good people that he'll bring in some good guys with experience, and I personally think he can do some things. I know he worked his quarterbacks hard, but we'll have to see what kind of coach he is."

The team has scheduled a 3 p.m. news conference today at Redskins Park to introduce Zorn.

Staff writer Les Carpenter contributed to this report.