Redskins Coaches' Fates Hang in Balance as Zorn's Job Security is Questioned

As Redskins head coach Jim Zorn battles for his job, the fates of over a dozen assistant coaches, including top lieutenant Sherman Smith and secondary coach Jerry Gray, also hang in the balance. The Redskins' coaching staff, under Zorn's leadership, is fighting to turn the season around, but the tension is palpable, and the pressure is mounting. Zorn's diminished control over his team, following the front office's decision to strip him of play-calling duties, has put the onus on his assistants to keep the team focused and on track.

Key Takeaways:

• The fates of over a dozen Redskins assistant coaches, including Sherman Smith and Jerry Gray, hang in the balance as Jim Zorn's job security is questioned.
• Zorn's diminished control over his team has led to increased responsibilities for his assistants, including Smith and Gray.
• Smith, Zorn's top lieutenant, is struggling to maintain a semblance of normalcy amidst the uncertainty, but his role as play-caller has been diminished.
• Gray, a potential candidate to become interim head coach if Zorn is replaced, denies any involvement in the speculation surrounding Zorn's job security but has made it clear he wants to become an NFL head coach in the future.
• The Redskins coaching staff is working to turn the season around, but the pressure is mounting, and the tension is palpable.

Statistics:

• 13: The number of Redskins assistant coaches whose fates hang in the balance as Zorn's job security is questioned.
• 5: The number of seasons Jerry Gray spent as defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills.
• 2: The number of weeks ago the Redskins sought and received an exemption from the NFL to allow Gray to speak for the defense on behalf of defensive coordinator Greg Blache.

Sources:

The Free Lance-Star, "Redskins Coaches Look to Save Zorn's Job", October 23, 2009, Rich Campbell.

McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.