With the Redskins firing coach Jim Zorn and a press conference starting at 12:30 p.m. ET, owner Daniel Snyder has issued a statement commenting on the situation.
In so doing, Snyder has welcomed part of the blame for the current state of the franchise.
“This has been an extremely difficult season for our organization and for the fans,” Snyder said in a release from the team. “Bruce Allen spent many hours examining the football operations, and we are both determined to do whatever it takes to build a championship team. That process begins today.
“No one in the organization is satisfied with our record over the last two years, and I am sure that Jim would concur with that statement. It has been painful for him too. I certainly accept responsibility for mistakes that I have made. I am hopeful that our fans will accept my commitment and pledge to deliver a franchise that can compete in the NFC East every season.
“Finally, I am mindful that this is a tough day for Jim and his family, and I do want to wish him success in his next endeavor.”
Actually, it’s probably not a tough day for Zorn and his family. After the sword hangs over a guy’s head long enough, he’s relieved when it finally falls.
Zorn can now move on, possibly by joining the coaching staff in Cleveland, where his former boss, Mike Holmgren, now runs the show.
Or Zorn can take a year off and collect the money he would have made in 2010 if he hadn’t been fired.
As to the Redskins, it remains to be seen whether the team will be able to again be competitive in the NFC East in the near future.