Redskins coach Zorn could be fighting to keep job

Dec 10, 2008 - 5:25 PM WASHINGTON (Ticker) - Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn may need a strong finish to keep his job, according to a report Wednesday on dcexaminer.com.

In his first season as coach, Zorn guided the Redskins to a 6-2 start. However, the Redskins have lost four of their last five games to fall into last place in the NFC East.

"The honeymoon is definitely over," said one team insider of Redskins owner Dan Snyder and Zorn in the report.

Zorn was a surprise choice of the hands-on owner Snyder in February following the sudden retirement of Hall of Famer Joe Gibbs. Zorn originally was hired as the club's offensive coordinator, then was named coach after Snyder embarked on a month-long search that included interviewing at least six candidates to succeed Gibbs.

When Zorn finally was named, he became the sixth coach under Snyder, who became owner in 1999.

While Zorn reportedly signed a five-year, $15 million contract, Snyder may be ready to make another change if the Redskins fail to make the playoffs. At 7-6, the Redskins will need to win their final three games and need help just to make it into the playoffs for a second straight season.

According to the report, Snyder may be looking at bringing in former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher to replace Zorn. Cowher, who has been an analyst since retiring following the 2006 season, reportedly was on Snyder's radar before he settled on Zorn.

With the Redskins collapsing, the latest negative for Zorn came in Sunday's 24-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Team insiders said the loss upset Snyder, according to the report.

On Tuesday, running back Clinton Portis blasted Zorn in a radio interview, saying the coach was giving him inconsistent messages while sarcastically calling Zorn a "genius."

Portis, who has been battling a sore knee, played just the first series against Baltimore before being removed from the game.

A major reason the Redskins are faltering is an inconsistent offense, which has managed just more than 10 points just once in its last five games.

Things could get even tougher over the final three games since starting left tackle Chris Samuels is out for the season with a torn right triceps. Starting right tackle Jon Jansen also could miss the remainder of the campaign with a knee injury.

Washington visits lowly Cincinnati (1-11-1) this week, then hosts Philadelphia (7-5-1) before playing on the road against San Francisco (5-8) to close its season.