WASHINGTON — The Washington Redskins hired Jim Zorn as their coach Saturday night, a surprise ending to a monthlong search for a replacement for Joe Gibbs.
“I’ve always dreamed of being a head coach with a franchise rich in tradition like the Redskins,” Zorn said in a team news release. “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 Redskins said the 54-year-old Zorn agreed to a five-year contract. He will be introduced at a news conference today.
“We’re proud that our search was diligent, thorough, and resulted in today’s announcement,” owner Dan Snyder said. “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.”
Zorn, a former Seattle quarterback, was the Seahawks’ quarterbacks coach the past seven years. The Redskins hired him to be their offensive coordinator — his highest coaching position until now — on Jan. 26 while continuing their search for a head coach.
Snyder and his advisers settled on Zorn after completing the last of their initial interviews, with New York Giants coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, late last week. Snyder had to wait until the Super Bowl was played to speak to Spagnuolo, who withdrew from consideration Thursday and signed a new three-year contract with the Giants.
Zorn was one of many candidates interviewed by Snyder in a methodical, secretive process that began after Gibbs’ resignation Jan. 8 and included marathon interviews usually conducted at Snyder’s home.
Zorn becomes the sixth coach under Snyder, who bought the team in 1999, and he ends a string of high-profile coaching hires by an owner who had developed a reputation for hiring top names at a top price. Snyder’s past three coaches were Marty Schottenheimer, Steve Spurrier and Gibbs.
