(Updated Title) Sherman Smith Joins Redskins as OC

Oh god, do the Titans run a west coast offence? Is Zorn's buddy going to be learning on the job too?

Oh god, do the Titans run a west coast offence? Is Zorn's buddy going to be learning on the job too?

In addition to having strong ties to Zorn, Smith and Mitchell are well versed in the offense Zorn plans to use.

washingtonpost.com (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/14/AR2008021403526.html)

Smith sounds like a good man, based on the tiny amount i've read.

In addition to being Zorn's guy, another thing IMO that weighs in his favor is that he's black. Players don't like the coaching turnover if they're comfortable w/the coaches they have & we all know that players spoke about keeping the staff intact.

Players that are upset at some of the decisions might at least see that the Skins are at least promoting a qualified minority, and they replaced Byner likewise. I'm sure a lot of players want to see the Rooney Rule be more than lip service & formality.

Sounds like a good guy for the job, i think he will take it

Smith sounds like a good man, based on the tiny amount i've read.

In addition to being Zorn's guy, another thing IMO that weighs in his favor is that he's black. Players don't like the coaching turnover if they're comfortable w/the coaches they have & we all know that players spoke about keeping the staff intact.

Players that are upset at some of the decisions might at least see that the Skins are at least promoting a qualified minority, and they replaced Byner likewise. I'm sure a lot of players want to see the Rooney Rule be more than lip service & formality.

What makes you think that?

What makes you think that?

Perhaps because a majority of the players are African American? Technically it is not the 'Rooney Rule' when talking about assistant coaches, of course, but I think he was just expressing some satisfaction at having some minorities in upper level positions (not that the Redskins haven't had any in recent years, including Hue Jackson under Spurrier).

What makes you think that?

Because of the # of black players & the # of players that go into coaching after their careers. And I'm sure that black players that have no intention of becoming coaches still want to see others get jobs that in the past were not open to them.

My point w/the post is that unfairness, whether percieved or real, is not good for employee morale.

Perhaps because a majority of the players are African American? Technically it is not the 'Rooney Rule' when talking about assistant coaches, of course, but I think he was just expressing some satisfaction at having some minorities in upper level positions (not that the Redskins haven't had any in recent years, including Hue Jackson under Spurrier).

I was just wondering if this view was based on something the players have expressed.

I'm not sure they really care to be honest. I'm sure some do, but it's not like we hear any sort of major outcry over this.

Perhaps because a majority of the players are African American? Technically it is not the 'Rooney Rule' when talking about assistant coaches, of course, but I think he was just expressing some satisfaction at having some minorities in upper level positions (not that the Redskins haven't had any in recent years, including Hue Jackson under Spurrier).

yes on your first statement. I realize the Rooney Rule applies only to head coaches, but the intent of it is to get more blacks promoted & the best way to become a head coach is to first become a coordinator. (unless of course Snyder & Vinny like you, but I digress)

I think it would be natural for black players to become cynical about the Rooney Rule & the nfl's statements about minority hiring, if they didn't see their own employers taking some steps in this direction. Of course, you could take my argument about the positives of Smith being hired & turn it on its head & say, well the Skins didn't hire Meeks who is black & instead hired a guy who isn't even a coordinator. But my point is that considering we've already hired Zorn (not debating the merits thereof btw), bringing Smith & Mitchell in could be viewed positively by the players because they're both black former players turned coaches who want to advance their careers.

I was just wondering if this view was based on something the players have expressed.

I'm not sure they really care to be honest. I'm sure some do, but it's not like we hear any sort of major outcry over this.

No Matty, just speculation on my part.

You won't hear any "major outcry" from the players, but if there were no black coaches being promoted after x no. of years w/the Rooney Rule, there would be some bad publicity. While I don't know from experience, I would bet that a large no. of players certainly feel strongly about it, even if they're not compelled to any sort of activism.