Zorn "probably the worst NFL hire of all time"??

[Longtimefan]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

I'm just not convinced that the coaching search process would have been widely applauded no matter what happened.

Let's face it, it boils down to they didn't do what we wanted. We wanted GW, and as a result we were going to be upset with just about anything. The fans collectively stomped their feet and pouted when GW wasn't automatically handed the job and everything quickly went downhill from there. GW was never officially anointed as the successor to Gibbs except in the eyes of the fans and some false rumor that he had a contract stipulation.

The continuity thing is so overrated. Yes Snyder spoke of continuity but at the same time look at the staff. Several key coaches are back. What exactly does continuity mean anyway? Does it mean zero turnover? Because that was unlikely to happen no matter who got the job. If GW got the job and let some guys go and brought in some of his guys I doubt we would be hearing about the continuity excuse.

The first sentence of your post says it all.

The process had so many different forces at work simultaneously, and the length of it foiled the patience of interested fans everywhere.

Many were dissapointed when GW didn't get the promotion, and to me that was the greatest source of dissatisfaction, coupled with the possibility Jim Fassel may actually be named Gibbs successor.

There is one element regarding the hiring process I have a problem wraping my arms around, and that's having to do with the [Rooney Rule]. I respect the integrity of the rules' intention and purpose, but it just dosen't seem to have enough teeth to insure it's implementation in an identifyable and unbiased fashion that's easily distinguished. It still remains difficult to be able to determine if during the course of interviews, it's actually a fair and equitable process.

[Giantone]

Originally Posted by Bishop Hammer

There is more to being a coach than X's and O's. They have got to be a motivator and make the players respect and want to play for them. In my opinion I think Zorn has those qualities where as Fassel did not.

How do you know and why?

[Dirtbag59]

Hey guys you guys, holy shit you guys, you gotta see my ninja armor. But seriously get this, I found a poll on ESPN.com that ask:
"Which first time head coach will have the most success with his team?"

The answers were as follows:
John Harbaugh - 24%
Mike Smith - 4%
Tony Sparano - 24%

and finally
Jim Zorn - 47%

Ironic, half the league is laughing at us but 6,038 people think that Jim Zorn is going to be the best rookie head coach.

[hooskins]

Originally Posted by Dirtbag359

Hey guys you guys, holy shit you guys, you gotta see my ninja armor. But seriously get this, I found a poll on ESPN.com that ask:
"Which first time head coach will have the most success with his team?"

The answers were as follows:
John Harbaugh - 24%
Mike Smith - 4%
Tony Sparano - 24%

and finally
Jim Zorn - 47%

Ironic, half the league is laughing at us but 6,038 people think that Jim Zorn is going to be the best rookie head coach.

ESPN - NFL Football Teams, Scores, Stats, News, Standings, Rumors - National Football League

poll at bottom of page

[celts32]

It seems to me that John Harbaugh is a similar hire to Jim Zorn since they both jumped to HC from a position coach. And I could be wrong but I thought a large chunk of the previous coaching staff is still there also...I know Ryan is still the DC. Anyway I didn't hear anyone criticise that hire. It's just Snyder...he is always going to be criticised until the Redskins win consistently.

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by Dirtbag359

Hey guys you guys, holy shit you guys, you gotta see my ninja armor. But seriously get this, I found a poll on ESPN.com that ask:
"Which first time head coach will have the most success with his team?"

The answers were as follows:
John Harbaugh - 24%
Mike Smith - 4%
Tony Sparano - 24%

and finally
Jim Zorn - 47%

Ironic, half the league is laughing at us but 6,038 people think that Jim Zorn is going to be the best rookie head coach.

Over 15,000 have voted now. Keep in mind Baltimore, Atlanta, and Miami had a combined record of 10-38 in 2007, and we were a playoff team. It's a nice poll, but it's kind of a no-brainer.

[Campbell17]

I think the first impression will be everything. I will need his respect before the season starts.
To impress me he will have to:
-Cut Lloyd
-Net Ocho Cinco or some quality signing
or
- A brilliant draft pick

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by Campbell17

I think the first impression will be everything. I will need his respect before the season starts.
To impress me he will have to:
-Cut Lloyd
-Net Ocho Cinco or some quality signing
or
- A brilliant draft pick

I think Zorn's opinion will be 3rd in line behind Danny and Vinny for all three items on your list. And I don't think we can acquire Chad Johnson and still have a brilliant draft pick, b/c we're gonna have to give up a lot to get him.

[jsarno]

Originally Posted by Bishop Hammer

Andy Reid started out as a Quarterback coach and went straight to being a head coach with the Eagles; ditto with Mooch as well.

Why do people say these things without knowing the facts? To make matters worse, this exact thing has been discussed in this very thread.
1- Andy Reid was qb coach and assistant head coach in GB before going to philly.
2- Mooch was the head coach for university of California before going to the NFL.
This is the 3rd or 4th time in the past 2 or 3 days I have had to correct these types of things.
I understand we all make mistakes, however, if you do not know something, please don't present it as fact.

[jsarno]

Originally Posted by Longtimefan

I want to be content with getting Cower out of my system all together, because I do not think Snyder would fire Zorn even if he's not wholly successful in his first year.

On the other hand, what would be considered success for this team in 2008? Would anything short of a playoff apearence be considered a failure? I'm more concerned with the fan reaction to Zorn if he struggles some in this his initial season.

That is an extremely valid concern cause we had a hall of fame coach at the helm and many wanted him gone after we were 5-7. If Zorn goes 5-11, you bet the voices will be overwhelming to axe him. I think anything short of 8-8 will put him on the hot seat, and it's completely unfair.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by jsarno

Why do people say these things without knowing the facts? To make matters worse, this exact thing has been discussed in this very thread.
1- Andy Reid was qb coach and assistant head coach in GB before going to philly.
2- Mooch was the head coach for university of California before going to the NFL.
This is the 3rd or 4th time in the past 2 or 3 days I have had to correct these types of things.
I understand we all make mistakes, however, if you do not know something, please don't present it as fact.

What did it mean that Andy Reid was the assistant head coach beyond the title?

[jsarno]

Originally Posted by celts32

Amen! Cowher is so overrated...he was somehow cleansed by that improbable super bowl run a couple years ago. He had so many high seeds go belly up at home in the playoffs. He is a total Shotenheimer except for that one playoff run. Good coach but nothing special. You listen to the media talk and its like Canton is preparing his bust...

You could not be more wrong.
Cowher, 149-90-1 (.623%). Playoffs, 12-9, .571%
Schott, 200-126-1 (.613%). Playoffs, 5-13, .278%

While the regular season records are similar (Cowher has him by 10%), to compare him to Schottenheimer in the playoffs is beyond comprehension. It's not even close...and even if you take away the "improbable super bowl run" he's still 8-9 which is a TON better than Schottenheimer. Of course, you can't really take that run away, it wasn't a fluke, it was a matter of time.
Schottenheimer has had 0 super bowl appearances, 0 AFC/NFC championships. Cowher has been to 2 super bowls / 2 AFC/NFC championships. Also, Cowher has 9 Division Championships, Schott only 8 despite coaching in 6 MORE seasons.

ps- they ARE preparing his bust in Canton!

[jsarno]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

What did it mean that Andy Reid was the assistant head coach beyond the title?

Well, he "assisted" in "head coach" duties. Stop focusing on how the SKins do things when it comes to titles and understand that other teams actually call it like they want it. Therefore Reid had a lot more experience since he assisted the head coach.
I suppose everyone should just ignore titles now?

[jsarno]

Originally Posted by GMScud

Over 15,000 have voted now. Keep in mind Baltimore, Atlanta, and Miami had a combined record of 10-38 in 2007, and we were a playoff team. It's a nice poll, but it's kind of a no-brainer.

Exactly what I was going to say. Even if we hired Mike Smith, we'd have the majority of the votes cause we have an established team.
I'm not thrilled with the Zorn hiring (as HC), but I most certainly beleive Zorn will do better than all those guys.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by jsarno

Well, he "assisted" in "head coach" duties. Stop focusing on how the SKins do things when it comes to titles and understand that other teams actually call it like they want it. Therefore Reid had a lot more experience since he assisted the head coach.
I suppose everyone should just ignore titles now?

Heck of an answer. He "assisted" in "head coach" duties.

Does that mean he ran practices when Holmgren called in sick? Was he part of the player selection process for all units (the way Williams was here)? Was he involved in the game plan and play design each week (the way Zorn was in Seattle)? Did he just get that title as a preventive measure to keep him in Green Bay?