Chiefs Zorn: I feel 'like the worst coach in America'

oaklandhater · 12-16-2008, 08:07 AM

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8...'?MSNHPHCP

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) - Saying he feels "like the worst coach in America," Jim Zorn began a two-day self-evaluation Monday into the meltdown that has plummeted his Washington Redskins out of the playoff race and prompted questions about his future.

Looking worn out and at least 10 years older than he did at training camp, Zorn had visible sweat on his brow at his weekly news conference. He reversed course from his season-long theme that his schemes were solid but the players' execution was lacking.

Instead, after the Redskins' fifth loss in six games — a truly embarrassing 20-13 defeat at lowly Cincinnati on Sunday — Zorn seemed to channel predecessor Joe Gibbs when he uttered the Hall of Fame coach's over-worn phrase: "It starts with me."

"I need to check my plan of attack," the first-year coach said. "And all of our staff, we need to re-evaluate what we're doing to see if we're going in the right direction. I really believe we're building a good foundation, but certainly when these things get strung across the board I certainly have to take — and do take — the responsibility for some of these games that just are not turning out like we have planned."

Zorn gave his players the day off so that he could take Monday and Tuesday to examine, as he put it, "all of the above." The easy-to-like coach's ebullient optimism — a natural fit when the team was 6-2 — is undergoing quite a test now that the record is 7-7.

"Where do I need to improve?" Zorn said. "Not only on Sunday, but on Wednesday, on Monday, all the days, all the game-planning, all the paying attention to detail. I need to make good use of this time and I will — because it hurts. I just feel like the worst coach in America, to have to lose the way we're losing. ... I feel sick to my stomach even thinking about having to go and do this kind of evaluation."

NFL Week 15

Week 15 actionBears 27, Saints 24 -- Recap | Box
Falcons 13, Bucs 10 -- Recap | Box
Bengals 20, Redskins 13 -- Recap | Box
Texans 13, Titans 12 -- Recap | Box
Colts 31, Lions 21 -- Recap | Box
Jaguars 20, Packers 16 -- Recap | Box
Chargers 22, Chiefs 21 -- Recap | Box
Dolphins 14, 49ers 9 -- Recap | Box
Jets 31, Bills 27 -- Recap | Box
Seahawks 23, Rams 20 -- Recap | Box
Vikings 35, Cardinals 14 -- Recap | Box
Steelers 13, Ravens 9 -- Recap | Box
Panthers 30, Broncos 10 -- Recap | Box
Patriots 49, Raiders 26 -- Recap | Box
Cowboys 20, Giants 8 -- Recap | Box
Eagles 30, Browns 10 -- Recap | Box

Photos
Ranking the games
Week 15's best shots
Around Halloween, Zorn was being touted as a possible NFL coach of the year. Now, given owner Dan Snyder's heavy turnover rate with coaches, there's open doubt as to whether Zorn will make it to New Year's.

For his part, Zorn spoke positively of his conversations with Snyder and front office chief Vinny Cerrato.

"I feel we have tremendous support from both those guys, I really do," Zorn said. "They are very passionate about this football team and want the best for it. I can say that emphatically. I can tell you that honestly."

Cerrato, away on league business, did not host his usual radio segment Monday. He did not respond to an interview request made through a team spokesman.

While there's plenty for Zorn to examine, he is in part a victim of his own early success. The Redskins right now are where most people predicted they would be — around .500, in last place in the tough NFC East. But blowing a 6-2 start creates an undeniable sense of a wasted opportunity to have a special season.

It all seemed to go wrong against a 1-11-1 team on Sunday, when, as linebacker London Fletcher put it, "The energy was terrible to start the game." Reliable tight end Chris Cooley fumbled. The Redskins fell behind 17-0. The defense again couldn't get pressure on the quarterback.

Santana Moss, a veteran who should know better, had the audacity to make a spectacle of scoring a touchdown, drawing a 15-yard penalty. With the ball at the 1-yard-line, Zorn decided to give the ball on back-to-back plays not to Clinton Portis but to fullback Mike Sellers, who fumbled the second time. Cornerback Carlos Rogers was surprised to learn shortly before kickoff that he wasn't starting, a sign of lack of communication between coaching staff and player.

All those issues are on the checklist to be reviewed, but one thing Zorn can't fix right away is the talent he's been given. Even if the coach returns next season, the Redskins are due for a massive overhaul.

The offensive and defensive lines are getting old and creaky. The defense needs a playmaker or two, and the offense still needs a reliable receiver other than Moss.

Unheralded stat of the game Sunday? Of the 49 Redskins plays that were either runs or receptions, 38 involved Moss, Cooley or Portis. It's hard to win when the options are so limited.

Zorn, naturally, declined to put the blame on the front office.

"We can win some of these games, we really can," Zorn said. "I have a hard time looking at talent and saying, 'Well, it's just talent — no brainer."'

Zorn, who is calling the plays as well as running the offense, said he didn't feel overwhelmed with all his duties, but he was willing to examine that possibility as well.

Perhaps the most radical, uncharacteristic comment came when the aggressive, let's-score-right-away coach said he might decline the ball next time he wins the coin flip to start the game.

"Maybe it won't hurt to defer if we win the toss," Zorn said. "I'm willing to try anything."

Ah if only we had a coach with some humility.

Ultra Peanut · 12-16-2008, 08:37 AM

HIRE HIM, CARL

Wait. I mean, uh.

Hammock Parties · 12-16-2008, 08:38 AM

Such humility is rare from an NFL head coach. Especially one with a .500 record.

WE WILL NEVER SEE THAT KIND OF DISPLAY FROM THIS ARROGANT MAN:

kc rush · 12-16-2008, 08:41 AM

He just needs time and the correct mentor to learn the "throw 'em under the bus" technique.

A certain someone who has perfected it may have some free time on their hands soon.

Ultra Peanut · 12-16-2008, 08:52 AM

CARL PETERSON IS UNEMPLOYED

Wow.

King_Chief_Fan · 12-16-2008, 09:01 AM

Mr. Zorn, while you may not be the best, you are far from the worst. You will see the absolute worst is pacing the sidelines in KC on game day.

Zouk · 12-16-2008, 09:05 AM

I have no idea how he got that job and I have no idea how he keeps it. THIS is a guy over his head.

oaklandhater · 12-16-2008, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claythan

Such humility is rare from an NFL head coach. Especially one with a .500 record.

WE WILL NEVER SEE THAT KIND OF DISPLAY FROM THIS ARROGANT MAN:

QFT

oaklandhater · 12-16-2008, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zouk

I have no idea how he got that job and I have no idea how he keeps it. THIS is a guy over his head.

HOW DARE YOU SIR DEFEND HERM WEEK in and Week out then have the audacity to Come in here and say that Mr Zorn a man who can admit he made a mistake is in over his head

Fish · 12-16-2008, 09:10 AM

Hahaha.... I remember quite a few people here lining up to gobble Zorn cock after the first 3-4 games..... I caught hell saying he was a fluke....

Wonder if I can find that thread now.....

crazycoffey · 12-16-2008, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zouk

I have no idea how he got that job and I have no idea how he keeps it. THIS is a guy over his head.

I agree, and also still defend Herm, somewhat. Actually I try to stay optimistically positive, but to many asshats on here, that just means I'm a homer (or would that be a hermer?)

whatever

oaklandhater · 12-16-2008, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Fish

Hahaha.... I remember quite a few people here lining up to gobble Zorn cock after the first 3-4 games..... I caught hell saying he was a fluke....

Wonder if I can find that thread now.....

Most chiefs fan's would take him over herm any day of the week so its not like you really owned anyone......

**Bwana** · 12-16-2008, 09:37 AM

I take it Zorn never views Chiefs games?

Mr. Laz · 12-16-2008, 10:29 AM

gotta like the attitude

young,hungry and passionate

L.A. Chieffan · 12-16-2008, 10:32 AM

Jesus, it's not like he lost to US, it was just the Bengals man suck it up.

12-16-2008, 08:07 AM
oaklandhater future chiefs fans Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: oakland california Casino cash: $7488993	Zorn: I feel 'like the worst coach in America' http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8...'?MSNHPHCP ASHBURN, Va. (AP) - Saying he feels "like the worst coach in America," Jim Zorn began a two-day self-evaluation Monday into the meltdown that has plummeted his Washington Redskins out of the playoff race and prompted questions about his future. Looking worn out and at least 10 years older than he did at training camp, Zorn had visible sweat on his brow at his weekly news conference. He reversed course from his season-long theme that his schemes were solid but the players' execution was lacking. Instead, after the Redskins' fifth loss in six games — a truly embarrassing 20-13 defeat at lowly Cincinnati on Sunday — Zorn seemed to channel predecessor Joe Gibbs when he uttered the Hall of Fame coach's over-worn phrase: "It starts with me." "I need to check my plan of attack," the first-year coach said. "And all of our staff, we need to re-evaluate what we're doing to see if we're going in the right direction. I really believe we're building a good foundation, but certainly when these things get strung across the board I certainly have to take — and do take — the responsibility for some of these games that just are not turning out like we have planned." Zorn gave his players the day off so that he could take Monday and Tuesday to examine, as he put it, "all of the above." The easy-to-like coach's ebullient optimism — a natural fit when the team was 6-2 — is undergoing quite a test now that the record is 7-7. "Where do I need to improve?" Zorn said. "Not only on Sunday, but on Wednesday, on Monday, all the days, all the game-planning, all the paying attention to detail. I need to make good use of this time and I will — because it hurts. I just feel like the worst coach in America, to have to lose the way we're losing. ... I feel sick to my stomach even thinking about having to go and do this kind of evaluation." NFL Week 15 Week 15 actionBears 27, Saints 24 -- Recap \| Box Falcons 13, Bucs 10 -- Recap \| Box Bengals 20, Redskins 13 -- Recap \| Box Texans 13, Titans 12 -- Recap \| Box Colts 31, Lions 21 -- Recap \| Box Jaguars 20, Packers 16 -- Recap \| Box Chargers 22, Chiefs 21 -- Recap \| Box Dolphins 14, 49ers 9 -- Recap \| Box Jets 31, Bills 27 -- Recap \| Box Seahawks 23, Rams 20 -- Recap \| Box Vikings 35, Cardinals 14 -- Recap \| Box Steelers 13, Ravens 9 -- Recap \| Box Panthers 30, Broncos 10 -- Recap \| Box Patriots 49, Raiders 26 -- Recap \| Box Cowboys 20, Giants 8 -- Recap \| Box Eagles 30, Browns 10 -- Recap \| Box Photos Ranking the games Week 15's best shots Around Halloween, Zorn was being touted as a possible NFL coach of the year. Now, given owner Dan Snyder's heavy turnover rate with coaches, there's open doubt as to whether Zorn will make it to New Year's. For his part, Zorn spoke positively of his conversations with Snyder and front office chief Vinny Cerrato. "I feel we have tremendous support from both those guys, I really do," Zorn said. "They are very passionate about this football team and want the best for it. I can say that emphatically. I can tell you that honestly." Cerrato, away on league business, did not host his usual radio segment Monday. He did not respond to an interview request made through a team spokesman. While there's plenty for Zorn to examine, he is in part a victim of his own early success. The Redskins right now are where most people predicted they would be — around .500, in last place in the tough NFC East. But blowing a 6-2 start creates an undeniable sense of a wasted opportunity to have a special season. It all seemed to go wrong against a 1-11-1 team on Sunday, when, as linebacker London Fletcher put it, "The energy was terrible to start the game." Reliable tight end Chris Cooley fumbled. The Redskins fell behind 17-0. The defense again couldn't get pressure on the quarterback. Santana Moss, a veteran who should know better, had the audacity to make a spectacle of scoring a touchdown, drawing a 15-yard penalty. With the ball at the 1-yard-line, Zorn decided to give the ball on back-to-back plays not to Clinton Portis but to fullback Mike Sellers, who fumbled the second time. Cornerback Carlos Rogers was surprised to learn shortly before kickoff that he wasn't starting, a sign of lack of communication between coaching staff and player. All those issues are on the checklist to be reviewed, but one thing Zorn can't fix right away is the talent he's been given. Even if the coach returns next season, the Redskins are due for a massive overhaul. The offensive and defensive lines are getting old and creaky. The defense needs a playmaker or two, and the offense still needs a reliable receiver other than Moss. Unheralded stat of the game Sunday? Of the 49 Redskins plays that were either runs or receptions, 38 involved Moss, Cooley or Portis. It's hard to win when the options are so limited. Zorn, naturally, declined to put the blame on the front office. "We can win some of these games, we really can," Zorn said. "I have a hard time looking at talent and saying, 'Well, it's just talent — no brainer."' Zorn, who is calling the plays as well as running the offense, said he didn't feel overwhelmed with all his duties, but he was willing to examine that possibility as well. Perhaps the most radical, uncharacteristic comment came when the aggressive, let's-score-right-away coach said he might decline the ball next time he wins the coin flip to start the game. "Maybe it won't hurt to defer if we win the toss," Zorn said. "I'm willing to try anything." Ah if only we had a coach with some humility.
Posts: 23,762

12-16-2008, 08:37 AM	#2
Ultra Peanut v^V^v^V^v^V^ Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Holland* Casino cash: $10005177	HIRE HIM, CARL Wait. I mean, uh. __________________
Posts: 39,518

12-16-2008, 08:38 AM	#3
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4450478	Such humility is rare from an NFL head coach. Especially one with a .500 record. WE WILL NEVER SEE THAT KIND OF DISPLAY FROM THIS ARROGANT MAN: __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 278,638

12-16-2008, 08:41 AM	#4
kc rush Blah Blah Blah Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: In front of the computer. Casino cash: $3939559	He just needs time and the correct mentor to learn the "throw 'em under the bus" technique. A certain someone who has perfected it may have some free time on their hands soon.
Posts: 12,557

12-16-2008, 08:52 AM	#5
Ultra Peanut v^V^v^V^v^V^ Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Holland* Casino cash: $10005177	CARL PETERSON IS UNEMPLOYED Wow. __________________
Posts: 39,518

12-16-2008, 09:01 AM	#6
King_Chief_Fan Praise Him Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: none ya Casino cash: $5875486	Mr. Zorn, while you may not be the best, you are far from the worst. You will see the absolute worst is pacing the sidelines in KC on game day. __________________ No Jesus No Peace Know Jesus Know Peace Ephesians 2:8-10 English Standard Version (ESV) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Posts: 12,181

12-16-2008, 09:05 AM	#7
Zouk Veteran Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: DC Casino cash: $10004900	I have no idea how he got that job and I have no idea how he keeps it. THIS is a guy over his head.
Posts: 1,454

12-16-2008, 09:10 AM	#10
Fish Ain't no relax! Join Date: Sep 2005 Casino cash: $2018919	Hahaha.... I remember quite a few people here lining up to gobble Zorn cock after the first 3-4 games..... I caught hell saying he was a fluke.... Wonder if I can find that thread now..... __________________
Posts: 47,663

12-16-2008, 09:37 AM	#13
Bwana It's Five O'Clock Somewhere Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Billings, Montana Casino cash: $2139293647	I take it Zorn never views Chiefs games? __________________ Adventure is dangerous....but monotony can kill you.
Posts: 69,782

12-16-2008, 10:29 AM	#14
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	gotta like the attitude young,hungry and passionate __________________
Posts: 95,626

12-16-2008, 10:32 AM	#15
L.A. Chieffan PLAY GOOD FOOTBALL Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: American Gardens Building Casino cash: $3958654	Jesus, it's not like he lost to US, it was just the Bengals man suck it up.
Posts: 17,368