Z-man was hired during the 2008 offseason, the same offseason that saw Gibbs retire and successful defensive coordinator Gregg Williams leave only to take the same position with Jacksonville. He was originally hired as offensive coordinator, an upgrade from quarterbacks coach, his previous position with the Seahawks. But when no other candidates filled the vacancy left by Gibbs, Zorn was promoted.
At first, I felt the move was chancy, perhaps ignorant, considering the history of Snyderrato decision making. But witnessing another disappointing season/era under another failed Redskins coach, results from the unexpected move seemed imaginable.
Young coaches appeared to be the direction the league was moving in and Gibbs's foremost criticism had been he was too old and the game had passed him by. Zorn was 55, an ex-QB and had aided in the development of pro bowl QB Matt Hasselback in Seattle. The possibility of morphing young Jason Campbell into the second coming of Doug Williams spurred optimism.
The charismatic, candid and genuine Jim Zorn led the Redskins to a 6-2 record halfway through his first year. Washington had beaten Dallas and Philly, both away, in consecutive weeks and the offense was clicking on all cylinders. That would be the high point of Zorn's career.
Since week 8 of last year Zorn has gone 4-10. The last six games (2-4) have come against winless teams, the easiest 6-game streak in NFL history. The worst part of it all is Zorn's offense has been predominantly to blame.
The running game has been a non-factor. QB Jason Campbell, Zorn's top responsibility when he was hired, has seemingly plateaued. The receiving weapons drafted, in spite of needs on the offensive line, have been busts. But without question, the paramount knock on Zorn has been his offense has proved unable to score points.
For me, Zorn's roller-coaster career hit rock bottom Sunday when he replaced Campbell for Todd Collins after an ineffective first half. Not because I believe Campbell is not to blame for the offense's lack of production but because it was the first time James Arthur Zorn showed weakness, vulnerability and doubt.
No matter his record or success as play-caller, I always admired Zorn's unwavering confidence in himself and his plan for this team. The Washington Redskins fan base has thrown every possible criticism and insult at this man, yet, until halftime of the Chiefs game he never faltered.
When it was announced that Todd Collins would replace Campbell for the remainder of the game it proved Zorn had finally given in. To yellow-bellied Snyder. To impatient fans. To fault-finding SportsCenter anchors whose words influence the opinions of impatient fans. When Zorn lost what always made him worthy in my eyes, he proved himself incapable of coaching my favorite team.
Immediately after the game, Cerrato "suggested" Zorn give up his play-calling responsibilities, his last significant obligation as head coach. That was his last chance to save face by refusing to admit his convictions were flawed like everyone around him had concluded.
But he agreed. And with his stripped play-calling duties went my respect.
Adios Jimbo.
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