Head Coach Jim Zorn, Free from Washington Redskins, Next Stop Cleveland?

Former Washington Redskins head coach, Jim Zorn's, first job in the NFL, was playing quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks. From NFC rookie of the year in 1976, to a member of Seattle's ring of honor, and inductee in the State of Washington Sports Hall of Fame, Zorn's NFL career was a successful one. After his NFL playing days, Zorn would return to the league, as the quarterback coach for his former team.

Zorn began coaching the Seahawks quarterbacks in 2001. In 2003, under Zorn, first year starter Matt Hasselbeck, established himself as Seattle's franchise quarterback. In 2007, Zorn's final year in Seattle, Hasselbeck would have his best year, setting records for completions and yards.

In 2008, the highly regarded quarterback coach would initially be named offensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins, before ultimately being named the head coach. During his first year in Washington, the team would finish 8-8. Washington's quarterback, Jason Campbell, would enjoy his best season under Zorn. That year, the QB threw for 3,245 yards, with only 6 INT's, and a 62.3 quarterback rating.

Though Campbell was able to make strides running the Redskins offense this year, he didn't have much help. The Redskins leading rusher, Clinton Portis, missed 8 games. The Redskins passing game also didn't offer much help. When star tight end Chris Cooley was lost for 9 games to injury, the Redskins receivers underperformed, failing to provide Campbell enough weapons.

Dan Snyder has tried several things to build a winning team in Washington. He's brought in a mired of coaches, and high priced free agents, and to date, nothing has worked. Now, with veteran coach, Mike Shanahan calling the shots in Washington, maybe the Redskins can finally build a winning team. If the Redskins decide to draft a quarterback this year, the irony will be, one of the best coaches of quarterbacks, was just shown the door.

Zorn has the track record and credentials, he will find another coaching job. One likely landing place for Zorn, is Cleveland as their quarterback coach, where he'd be reunited with Mike Holmgren. Cleveland could definitely use Zorn's help with their quarterback situation. In Cleveland, Zorn would have the support of Holmgren, and would be able to concentrate on football, instead of looking over his shoulder. Wherever Zorn ends up, his future looks brighter then his past.

　
Sources:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/7201
http://www.nfl.com/players/matthasselbeck/profile?id=HAS536799
http://www.redskins.com/gen/coaches/Jim_Zorn.jsp