In keeping with the theme of the posts today, I thought I'd ask this question, since many believe that he would be a great Head Coach for the Seahawks, should Holmgren quit, retire or get fired.While I hold Jim Zorn in the same reverence as Largent, Easley and other Seahawk Dieties (note that Shaun also understands the need to bow in his presence) I'm not sure if he's really ready to take the reins as an NFL Head Coach.
He has done a great job in bringing Matt up to his true poential as a Quarterbacks Coach, but being a head coach is more about managing your leutenants than directly leading one person or position. Does he have what it takes to be the man stalking the sidelines?
Please understand that I am in no way questioning his legacy, dedication to the Seahawk organization, or ability to rise to the occasion. I'm just not sure if anyone will give him that Head Coaching gig until he's gets some experience at the next level of coaching, like being an Offensive Coordinator.
Maybe if it appears Holmy is going to play out his final two years and then ride into the sunset, and the FO is fine with that, they can name Jim "Assistant Head Coach" or something, and get him the experience and exposure to gain the confidence of the front office and players that he can get the job done.
great post alba! I hadn't thought of doing this one but I was looking for another is he ready thing to do, LOL! You and I think wayyy too much alike sometimes!
ReplyDeleteI cannot give you alot of reasoning for my belief that Zorn would make a good head coach other than saying this; he is a former QB, therefore he should have a better than average handle on offenses. His knowledge of the game really should not be in question here, more likely his lack of experience. So to that I will throw out the name Mike Tice. He went from OLine coach to head coach just like that. Now granted he did have some growing pains and some could still criticise him as a head coach (I do) but I also don't really think he's as bright a man as Zorn is.
Like I said, I can't really throw out alot of really good reasons why I believe that he can coach now, I just do, and at least I can throw out Tice as precedent for going from position coach straight to head coach.
Let me say this too, what is a QB if not an on-the-field-coach? I have long believed that a QB would almost naturally make the best head coach, because of his leadership abilities and his knowledge of what it takes to move a team downfield.
ReplyDeleteOne more thing, now that we have a front office that has it's poop in a group, I think that if Zorn were surrounded by competent people, a good offensive and defensive coordinator, who Ruskell who be in charge of hiring, the burden on Zorn would be lessened. Sometimes when a team seems to be stuck in a rut, a fresh new perspective on things is what it takes to get that team unstuck. Zorn would certainly offer that. Sometimes a less experienced person thrown into the fire, as it were, find new and better ways to solve old problems.
Also, wouldn't Zorn be terrific for the image of the Hawks? I just recently visited the Times, where I discovered a poll asking which local team is everyones favorite, and the M's are smoking the Seahawks, even after the last couple of poor seasons the M's had, even after the Hawks getting to the playoffs twice in the last two, this town likes the M's better. It will take something big to change that, the Hawks need to win some playoff games soon or that will never change. I think hiring Zorn (should Holmgren get fired or whatever) would also help to change the image of the Hawks around Seattle, it would be a reminder of the good old days when the Hawks ruled the nest.
Bottom line, I trust Ruskell and co. enough that if Holmy were fired and they did hire Zorn to coach, Ruskell would find good enough people to surround Zorn with, that the transition would be smooth and the abilities that Zorn has could be put to full use. I just see this as a positive move for a team whose own city really seems to care less about them right now.
I hear what you're saying Monkey, which is kind of why I threw this post up. I'm waiting for our resident fact-mongers and football experts to lay out a definitive thesis on why Jim's the man, CUZ I WANT IT TO BE TRUE.
ReplyDeleteOf course using Mike Tice as an comparison to someone as intellegent, honest and of the quality of character of Jim Zorn is a little like citing Tommy Chong as an example in support of Jesus being the true son of God.
Well, you see they both wore sandle, hand long hair, and a beard, but that's about where the similarities end!!!
Seeing Tice on the sidelines and in post game interviews makes Jerry Glanville and Bum Phillips look like Mensa candidates!
By the way, did anyone notice what is wrong with that picture? Unless it was taken in a mirror, he's throwing with the wrong hand.
ReplyDeleteGood eye Monkey, but if you look at the banner in the background, the "H" in Seahawks is not reversed, so it's a true picture.
ReplyDeleteMy guess is that he's not really prepping to throw the ball, or just didn't grip it on the laces with his right hand.
once again, i ask...
ReplyDeletewhen does Holmgrem's contract expire? this year? next year? or what?
Not this year ADP I think it technically ends after next season. Having said that, I really don't think that he will be allowed to finish out his contract if he doesn't get the team deep into the playoffs, at least win a bloody playoff game.
ReplyDeleteHis contract runs through the 2006 season, so Monkey is right on his facts, and I believe, on his opinion as well!
ReplyDeleteMy guess is that he's done after 2006, if he makes it that far, one way or the other. He sounds like the Seahawks experience has been exhausting.
However, if this team makes some noise this year and goes deep into the playoffs, maybe that re-energizes him and gives him the desire to re-up his tour of duty in Egypt!
Posted by Anonymous
I think Zorn would be a fine coach, and would be great for Seattle and the Hawks. And to emphasize what has already been said, nobody was born a head coach, they all were position coaches at some point. On a similar vein, Mr. Ruskell was basically just a scout until Atlanta, spent one year as an assistant GM, then promoted to Grand Poobah and All Knowing Savior of the Seahawks just one year later, so the FO probably doesn't mind fast tracking someone if they show ability.
ReplyDeleteOne thing, other than a handful in the history of football, no one has gone from position coach to H.C.
ReplyDeleteAs Alba mentioned, I'd rather see him cut his teeth at the Offensive Coodinator Spot first. I really, realistically don't see him being ready for the job by the time Holmgren moves on. Which is far better than a 50-50 chance after his experience here.
And monkey also in teh picture Shaun's #37 is right and Jim's stance is correct for a righty. (Probably caught in mid ball adjustment.
And my personal picks for H.C.~ #1 Reid, I figure another season with no S.B. will force him out in two more seasons, he'd be perfect for the Hawks(won't change the Offense much) #2 Gruden, again will probably looking for a new gig in two years and has the same basic offensive scheme. *and both have experience. I'd love to see Zorn get a shot, but I'm not letting my fandom override my common sense, I really don't want an unproven Coach running the show.
Sorry
Posted by vinny
Zorn was a southpaw Vin.
ReplyDeletePosted by Anonymous
SHO - great call...I had completely forgotten that!
ReplyDeletePosted by albaNYHawker