Talks of Rebuilding The Organization
Yesterday, newly hired Redskins' VP/GM Bruce Allen discussed the firing of Jim Zorn with members of the media.
As you know Zorn was fired Monday morning upon his return to the Redskins campus from San Diego after the Redskins' season ending loss to the Chargers.
Allen explained...
“Obviously this morning we made a decision to relieve Jim Zorn of his duties. When we came back, I talked to Jim in his office and notified him of such. He was disappointed but very professional. Over the last three weeks I have gotten to know him well, and felt that this was the right time to make that decision for the Redskins. Today starts our 2010 season – as I have discussed with our staff, the coaches, and our players here just a while ago. We have a direction that we want to go, and will go, starting today.”
While no decision on Zorn's replacement has been made at this time (Mike Shanahan sitings at Dulles Airport aside), Allen responded with the following regarding securing a candidate for the now available head coaching position of the Washington Redskins...
“I’m not going to get into that. I’m not going to discuss that because of privacy issues for them. I will say this - it’s real clear that we are going to be aggressive. What we are looking for in a head coach is somebody that can lead these men that we have in our locker room to levels that they haven’t played to before. What I asked of the players on the team, was a commitment that they hadn’t given before. We are going to try that type of person, who is a winner, passionate about the Redskins, and passionate about football.”
On if there will be a new head coach by week's end...
“I’m not going to put a time frame on it. We are going to get the right person. I’m a little bias maybe with coaches, but I think that the head coach in the NFL is the most demanding executive position in professional sports. He has to manage over 100 people, getting them to focus in one direction, for a common goal – which is to win. We are going to make the right selection before we get our person.”
If I could interject, here's the latest info on that.
Continuing...
Was firing Jim Zorn the right thing to do?
“It’s an evolving decision. The record speaks for itself. This morning whenever our plane arrived, Jim and I went back to his office and discussed it at that time. I’ve seen it work in different ways with different teams, but Jim and I had talked previously that, once a decision was made to please let him know. That’s what we did.”
What about the future of the existing Redskins assistant coaches?
“We met with them. Their position with the Redskins will be determined by the next head coach. Remember, this is a very volatile period in the NFL. Last year there were 11 coaching changes – that’s a third of the league. We want to be very considerate to their families and the issues. We are going to be in constant dialogue with them and keep them updated on the process.”
Now, what about them players? Who's still on the roster, Mr. Allen?
“It’s a little premature to talk about that. I really look forward to talking to our players in the next few weeks. I met with a few of them today. They are giving me a good message. They understand that it’s about hard work. The formula for success in the NFL hasn’t changed since Coach (George) Halas was coaching – teamwork, plus talent, equals success. The players are hungry. They’re unsatisfied. The fans are unsatisfied, and the organization is unsatisfied with the results. We do live in a results based business. That’s what makes it the best sport there is.”
That was yesterday's answer, and what a difference a day makes.
Looks like the Redskins are already making roster changes, bringing back most players that have a history with Burgundy and Gold.
Here's a list of the signees to future Redskins contracts: Anthony Alridge,RB (left) /Anthony Armstrong,WR /Doug Dutch,CB / Antoine Holmes, DT /Clint Oldenburg,OL /James Robinson, WR/J.D. Skolnitsky, DT /Lee Vickers, TE /Darrel Young, LB.
So, to review: Head coach? Check. Assistant coaches? check. Returning players? They're still working on it.
What we do know (according to Bruce Allen)...
To build an organization from the ground up, should you just fire everyone and start anew? These guys did.
Yesterday, newly hired Redskins' VP/GM Bruce Allen discussed the firing of Jim Zorn with members of the media.
As you know Zorn was fired Monday morning upon his return to the Redskins campus from San Diego after the Redskins' season ending loss to the Chargers.
Allen explained...
“Obviously this morning we made a decision to relieve Jim Zorn of his duties. When we came back, I talked to Jim in his office and notified him of such. He was disappointed but very professional. Over the last three weeks I have gotten to know him well, and felt that this was the right time to make that decision for the Redskins. Today starts our 2010 season – as I have discussed with our staff, the coaches, and our players here just a while ago. We have a direction that we want to go, and will go, starting today.”
While no decision on Zorn's replacement has been made at this time (Mike Shanahan sitings at Dulles Airport aside), Allen responded with the following regarding securing a candidate for the now available head coaching position of the Washington Redskins...“I’m not going to get into that. I’m not going to discuss that because of privacy issues for them. I will say this - it’s real clear that we are going to be aggressive. What we are looking for in a head coach is somebody that can lead these men that we have in our locker room to levels that they haven’t played to before. What I asked of the players on the team, was a commitment that they hadn’t given before. We are going to try that type of person, who is a winner, passionate about the Redskins, and passionate about football.”
On if there will be a new head coach by week's end...
“I’m not going to put a time frame on it. We are going to get the right person. I’m a little bias maybe with coaches, but I think that the head coach in the NFL is the most demanding executive position in professional sports. He has to manage over 100 people, getting them to focus in one direction, for a common goal – which is to win. We are going to make the right selection before we get our person.”
If I could interject, here's the latest info on that.
Continuing...
Was firing Jim Zorn the right thing to do?
“It’s an evolving decision. The record speaks for itself. This morning whenever our plane arrived, Jim and I went back to his office and discussed it at that time. I’ve seen it work in different ways with different teams, but Jim and I had talked previously that, once a decision was made to please let him know. That’s what we did.”
What about the future of the existing Redskins assistant coaches?
“We met with them. Their position with the Redskins will be determined by the next head coach. Remember, this is a very volatile period in the NFL. Last year there were 11 coaching changes – that’s a third of the league. We want to be very considerate to their families and the issues. We are going to be in constant dialogue with them and keep them updated on the process.”
Now, what about them players? Who's still on the roster, Mr. Allen?
“It’s a little premature to talk about that. I really look forward to talking to our players in the next few weeks. I met with a few of them today. They are giving me a good message. They understand that it’s about hard work. The formula for success in the NFL hasn’t changed since Coach (George) Halas was coaching – teamwork, plus talent, equals success. The players are hungry. They’re unsatisfied. The fans are unsatisfied, and the organization is unsatisfied with the results. We do live in a results based business. That’s what makes it the best sport there is.”
That was yesterday's answer, and what a difference a day makes.
Looks like the Redskins are already making roster changes, bringing back most players that have a history with Burgundy and Gold.Here's a list of the signees to future Redskins contracts: Anthony Alridge,RB (left) /Anthony Armstrong,WR /Doug Dutch,CB / Antoine Holmes, DT /Clint Oldenburg,OL /James Robinson, WR/J.D. Skolnitsky, DT /Lee Vickers, TE /Darrel Young, LB.
So, to review: Head coach? Check. Assistant coaches? check. Returning players? They're still working on it.
What we do know (according to Bruce Allen)...
“We have to build the foundation. We have to get the right disciplines in place in order for players to succeed in our environment. I believe that the coaches work hard. I believe the players work hard. We have to work in harmony. That’s why the statusquo has to end. We have to change the ways we have been doing business. The players are going to embrace it.”Related
To build an organization from the ground up, should you just fire everyone and start anew? These guys did.
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