The next four games may determine Zorn's fate.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by KI Skins Fan

If Zorn were to be fired at the bye week, I would expect there to be an interim coach for the rest of the season.

I agree. Bringing in someone from the outside would be almost unheard of. Does anyone know if something like that has happened before?

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

I agree. Bringing in someone from the outside would be almost unheard of. Does anyone know if something like that has happened before?

I can't ever remember it happening. Actually, when was the last time a coach got fired mid-season at all? That in itself is a very rare occurrence, let alone giving the guy a boot and bringing in an outsider. I think the only guy out there that would work for us in that regard would be Gruden. He runs the same system and has never been one to insist on GM-like control over personnel. But he's not that dumb. He wouldn't come here under those circumstances.

Originally Posted by SBXVII

Maybe thats why the plane was in Denver even though the organization is denying speaking with Shanahan.

My favorite would be Marty as GM and his son as HC. but I think DS is becoming good friends with Shanahan so if need be Shanahan can take over at some point.

You think DS is becoming good friends with Shanahan based soley on the fact that his plane was spotted in Denver and he supposedly wasn't even on it? Nah.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by GMScud

I can't ever remember it happening. Actually, when was the last time a coach got fired mid-season at all? That in itself is a very rare occurrence, let alone giving the guy a boot and bringing in an outsider. I think the only guy out there that would work for us in that regard would be Gruden. He runs the same system and has never been one to insist on GM-like control over personnel. But he's not that dumb. He wouldn't come here under those circumstances.

What do you mean? Didn't three coaches get fired mid-season last year?

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

What do you mean? Didn't three coaches get fired mid-season last year?

Yeah, my fault. I had a brain cramp. I was sitting here thinking and couldn't come up with one. Ugh. Looks like I'll be having a cup of coffee with lunch.

Aside from Nolan, who were the other two?

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by GMScud

Yeah, my fault. I had a brain cramp. I was sitting here thinking and couldn't come up with one. Ugh. Looks like I'll be having a cup of coffee with lunch.

Aside from Nolan, who were the other two?

Lane Kiffin and Scott Linehan

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Lane Kiffin and Scott Linehan

True. Well, I don't think there's a Mike Singletary type candidate on our staff who can step in, and I don't think Oakland or St. Louis were any better in the short term after firing those two guys.

I guess this could sort of make a case for not canning Zorn mid-season.

[SBXVII]

Originally Posted by GMScud

True. Well, I don't think there's a Mike Singletary type candidate on our staff who can step in, and I don't think Oakland or St. Louis were any better in the short term after firing those two guys.

I guess this could sort of make a case for not canning Zorn mid-season.

Which is my other point. If Zorn got canned who else understands Zorn's system enough to take it over and be productive? I'm guessing no one since he was teaching the coach's all last yr as well as the players.

Whoever came in mid season out side the organization would be at a serious disadvantage. Then if things don't look good the rest of the season DS runs the risk of alienating the new HC with the fans complaining about him not changing or fixing the problem. DS's best bet now is to wait till end of season with a HC in mind then cut Zorn. Let the new HC decide who he would want to keep on the coaching staff (hopefully not Hixon) and let the new HC bring in his people. People who know/understand what he's trying to do and can help teach the players.

[SBXVII]

Originally Posted by GMScud

I can't ever remember it happening. Actually, when was the last time a coach got fired mid-season at all? That in itself is a very rare occurrence, let alone giving the guy a boot and bringing in an outsider. I think the only guy out there that would work for us in that regard would be Gruden. He runs the same system and has never been one to insist on GM-like control over personnel. But he's not that dumb. He wouldn't come here under those circumstances.



You think DS is becoming good friends with Shanahan based soley on the fact that his plane was spotted in Denver and he supposedly wasn't even on it? Nah.

Perhaps I'm wrong ...again. I should have said Cerrato seemed comfortable enough with Shanny to call him up, and I doubt it was totally in regards to Alridge. I like Alridge a lot. Glad the picked him up. but find it interesting they would contact Shanny in regards to him. Almost feels like maybe someone was feeling out Shanny in regards to his coaching desires and yes Alridge probably did come up or perhaps Alridge first then the other.

[Paintrain]

Originally Posted by SBXVII

Perhaps I'm wrong ...again. I should have said Cerrato seemed comfortable enough with Shanny to call him up, and I doubt it was totally in regards to Alridge. I like Alridge a lot. Glad the picked him up. but find it interesting they would contact Shanny in regards to him. Almost feels like maybe someone was feeling out Shanny in regards to his coaching desires and yes Alridge probably did come up or perhaps Alridge first then the other.

Shanahan and Cerrato have a long standing relationship/friendship dating back to their SF days (also Vinny and Holmgren). That's one of the things that may keep him around, even if there is a major shakeup with one of them.

As to the Sherman Smith questions, he devises the game plan every week but JZ is the sole play caller.

The more I think about it, I doubt there will be an in season change. There's really no point to it unless DS is going to bring in someone at a higher level to evaluate and set the course for the overall football operations a la Parcells in Miami in '07.

[Lotus]

Originally Posted by Paintrain

Shanahan and Cerrato have a long standing relationship/friendship dating back to their SF days (also Vinny and Holmgren). That's one of the things that may keep him around, even if there is a major shakeup with one of them.

As to the Sherman Smith questions, he devises the game plan every week but JZ is the sole play caller.

The more I think about it, I doubt there will be an in season change. There's really no point to it unless DS is going to bring in someone at a higher level to evaluate and set the course for the overall football operations a la Parcells in Miami in '07.

Holmgren could be our Parcells.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by SBXVII

Perhaps I'm wrong ...again. I should have said Cerrato seemed comfortable enough with Shanny to call him up, and I doubt it was totally in regards to Alridge. I like Alridge a lot. Glad the picked him up. but find it interesting they would contact Shanny in regards to him. Almost feels like maybe someone was feeling out Shanny in regards to his coaching desires and yes Alridge probably did come up or perhaps Alridge first then the other.

I'm pretty sure Shanahan reached out to Vinny. Either way it's not an uncommon thing to talk to former coaches of players to find out more about them.