Redskins name Zorn as head coach
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Washington Redskins ended their month-long search for a head coach by naming former NFL quarterback Jim Zorn as the successor to Joe Gibbs on Saturday.
"I've always dreamed of being a head coach with a franchise rich in tradition like the Redskins," Zorn said in a statement.
"As a player who had to fight Redskins teams at RFK as well as at our home field, I know about the history of this franchise as well as the passion of its fans. I won't let you down."
The 54-year-old Zorn, who signed a five-year contract with the Redskins, spent seven seasons as the Seattle Seahawks' quarterbacks coach.
He was recently hired to replace play caller Al Saunders as the Redskins' offensive co-ordinator.
"We're proud that our search was diligent, thorough, and resulted in today's announcement," said Redskins owner Daniel Snyder.
"Jim's track record and reputation as a player, great teacher, and as a coach makes us confident that they will translate to success for the Redskins."
Redskins fans had grown weary of the search for Gibbs's replacement. Gibbs, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, resigned on January 8 after leading the team to a 9-7 record and a spot in the post-season.
The Redskins lost to the Seahawks 35-14 in the opening round of the playoffs.
Snyder interviewed 10 candidates for the job before deciding on Zorn, who broke into the league in 1976 with the Seahawks.
He played nine seasons in Seattle, then one year each with the Green Bay Packers, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before retiring in 1987.
"We knew of Jim's stellar offensive reputation, so we hired him as co-ordinator, but we also suspected he would be a strong candidate for head coach," said Snyder.
"After our first six-hour interview with him, I told Joe (Gibbs), 'This guy would make a terrific head coach."'
(Writing by Steve Ginsburg; Editing by Ed Osmond) 