Blache named defensive coordinator!?!?!?!

[CanesSkins26]

Blache, Zorn Named Redskins Coordinators


January 26, 2008

The Washington Redskins have named veteran defensive coach Greg Blache to lead the team's defense and Jim Zorn as his counterpart on the offense.

The team also released their predecessors, Gregg Williams and Al Saunders.

"I want to thank Gregg and Al for all they did for the team," Team Owner Daniel M. Snyder said. "In particular, during our most difficult time last year, they both helped hold the team together as we kept moving forward. I am confident they will continue to be successful in the years ahead."

"Greg Blache is an outstanding coach with deep experience. Players respond to him, and his co-workers respect him. He has our full confidence," Snyder said. "We're counting on Jim to continue Jason Campbell's growth, while moving our offense forward."

"The process of selecting a new head coach continues, although no hire is planned until after the Super Bowl so as not to distract from the Championship game as well as to keep open all our options," Snyder added. "We are on track with our interviews, but in the interim we also are filling our coaching positions and re-signing several existing staff members.

"During our interviews with prospective head coaches we heard time and again how highly respected some of our 2007 assistant coaches were and who they would select to fill out their staffs. That intelligence is helping guide our hiring decisions."

Blache has been in the NFL for 21 seasons as a defensive coach, serving as the Redskins' defensive coordinator/defensive line coach for the past four seasons.

Zorn joins the Redskins from the Seattle Seahawks, where for the past seven seasons he served as quarterbacks coach for the team that launched his professional career as a player and as a coach.

Blache joined the Redskins in 2004 after five seasons as Chicago's defensive coordinator. In both cities his units earned a reputation-- with the statistics to back it up--as solid, aggressive forces.

At Washington, he shares credit for the defensive unit being ranked in the league's top 10 for three of his four seasons (8th, 9th, 3rd). The story was similar in Chicago, where Blache's Bears defense was a consistent hard-hitting group, regularly being ranked in the League's top 10.

Zorn joined the Seahawks as quarterbacks coach in 2001, 25 years after he was the team's first starting signal-caller when the franchise was founded in 1976, and was named NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year.

He led the Seahawks for nine seasons and currently is honored in the team's Ring of Honor. He is credited with the development of current Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and the team's regular high ranking in League offensive statistics, as well as Hasselbeck's personal Pro Bowl-level performances.

Zorn joined the Seahawks after holding the same position with the Detroit Lions for three seasons after breaking into the League as an offensive assistant with the Seahawks in 1997.

Prior to becoming a professional coach, Zorn spent eight seasons in the collegiate ranks, two as quarterback coach at the University of Minnesota, three as Utah State's offensive coordinator, and three as an offensive assistant/quarterbacks coach at Boise State.

Blache began his professional career as defensive line coach for the Indianapolis Colts for five seasons, and held the same position with the Green Bay Packers for six years after breaking into the League in 1988.

He began his coaching career as a defensive assistant at his alma mater Notre Dame in 1968 after suffering a leg injury that ended his playing career.

Following his graduation in 1971, he stayed on as a graduate assistant and then as an assistant coach for four seasons. In 1976 he joined Tulane's staff where in various seasons he coached the offensive line, outside linebackers, and defensive backs.

He returned to Notre Dame in 1981 to coach the running backs, followed by the defensive line and linebackers. He was defensive line coach for the USFL's Jacksonville Bulls for 1984-85, before returning to college to coach at Southern University and Kansas for one season each.

Blache and his wife Lynn have six children. Zorn and his wife Joy have four children.

http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=34109

Dan Snyder is now officially the biggest freakin moron in the NFL. We went from having two of the most respected and experienced coordinators in the NFL to having Zorn (never called his own plays) and Blache.

WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND HIRES BOTH COORDINATORS BEFORE THE HEAD COACH?!?!?!

[The Hogster]

The Greg Blache hire was not a bad move. I am just concerned about the team operating in such a separate manner. Its like we have 3 separate teams, all run under a figure-head, CEO.

Snyder is really convinced that a football team can be run just like a business....geez.

The only person who would probably want this job is Fassel, and I am NO Fassel fan.

[Sir_Monk]

The only person who would probably want this job is Fassel, and I am NO Fassel fan.

At this point, I have serious doubts over any coach who would come in and take the head coaching job after this fiasco.

[por-tiz2skins]

Awwww man.

I wish it was the Giants D coordinator.

[Skinsfan55]

Blanche has actually been our d-coordinator for years now...

[por-tiz2skins]

Blanche has actually been our d-coordinator for years now...

True.We might not of had the greatest pass rush but you can't really say its his fault.The DL in run stops this year was real good.I believe if we get the right fit of a DE in the draft our DL well be very good.

[RedskinsFreak]

At this point, I have serious doubts over any coach who would come in and take the head coaching job after this fiasco.

That's the saddest -- yet greatest - -truth of all.

The only job that scares off more people than this one is in the Black Hole of Oakland.

The owner there is senile.

Ours is just obnoxiously ignorant.

[RedskinsFreak]

Blanche has actually been our d-coordinator for years now...

In title only, not in reality.

Williams ran the defense -- the job most places call 'defrensive coordinator,' but not here.

They add layer after layer so that the OC and DC titles are nothing more than ceremonial. The people who hold those titles are nothing more than position coaches.

[por-tiz2skins]

Blanche has actually been our d-coordinator for years now...

In title only, not in reality.

Williams ran the defense -- the job most places call 'defrensive coordinator,' but not here.

They add layer after layer so that the OC and DC titles are nothing more than ceremonial. The people who hold those titles are nothing more than position coaches.

I'm sorry but Greg Williams has lost us some games before.A good example the Bills game.

On does last 1min left Greg Williams should of infact Blitz on the bills rookie QB so that he could get pressured or get him to trow it away or trow it short to waste time.Not just zone all out and have the middle so open espically if your depending on a not so good pass rush.

I belive this DC well be better.Cause It took a while for Greg to blitz to well at least have every other DC staffs so nothing really changed,

[vbskinsfan]

who honestly in their right sane mind would want our HC job now???? not to mention what credible and worth more that dirt coach whats this job???


over my young life the only really good memory i have of our team is the last super bowl win which was the first game i can actually recall for the most part from memory.

if the danny wants to be a fan fine......be a fan. but please sell our team to someone else who understands FOOTBALL.

[Jake]

Ridiculous.

[El Mexican]

Get ready to be slammed by everyone in the media, Danny.

Why do you act like this if you want to be perceived as someone who has learned from Gibbs?

I´m starting to doubt if you learned anything at all these past four years.

[Irn-Bru]

"We here at the Redskins organization want to congratulate Blache on the promotion. He has our complete and utmost confidence and respect (until the end of the season or when I see a new toy that I MUST have...whichever comes first)"

[Jeremy81]

just when i thought this team couldn't be more frusterating...

[jeremyroyce]

Blache, Zorn Named Redskins Coordinators


January 26, 2008

The Washington Redskins have named veteran defensive coach Greg Blache to lead the team's defense and Jim Zorn as his counterpart on the offense.

The team also released their predecessors, Gregg Williams and Al Saunders.

"I want to thank Gregg and Al for all they did for the team," Team Owner Daniel M. Snyder said. "In particular, during our most difficult time last year, they both helped hold the team together as we kept moving forward. I am confident they will continue to be successful in the years ahead."

"Greg Blache is an outstanding coach with deep experience. Players respond to him, and his co-workers respect him. He has our full confidence," Snyder said. "We're counting on Jim to continue Jason Campbell's growth, while moving our offense forward."

"The process of selecting a new head coach continues, although no hire is planned until after the Super Bowl so as not to distract from the Championship game as well as to keep open all our options," Snyder added. "We are on track with our interviews, but in the interim we also are filling our coaching positions and re-signing several existing staff members.

"During our interviews with prospective head coaches we heard time and again how highly respected some of our 2007 assistant coaches were and who they would select to fill out their staffs. That intelligence is helping guide our hiring decisions."

Blache has been in the NFL for 21 seasons as a defensive coach, serving as the Redskins' defensive coordinator/defensive line coach for the past four seasons.

Zorn joins the Redskins from the Seattle Seahawks, where for the past seven seasons he served as quarterbacks coach for the team that launched his professional career as a player and as a coach.

Blache joined the Redskins in 2004 after five seasons as Chicago's defensive coordinator. In both cities his units earned a reputation-- with the statistics to back it up--as solid, aggressive forces.

At Washington, he shares credit for the defensive unit being ranked in the league's top 10 for three of his four seasons (8th, 9th, 3rd). The story was similar in Chicago, where Blache's Bears defense was a consistent hard-hitting group, regularly being ranked in the League's top 10.

Zorn joined the Seahawks as quarterbacks coach in 2001, 25 years after he was the team's first starting signal-caller when the franchise was founded in 1976, and was named NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year.

He led the Seahawks for nine seasons and currently is honored in the team's Ring of Honor. He is credited with the development of current Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and the team's regular high ranking in League offensive statistics, as well as Hasselbeck's personal Pro Bowl-level performances.

Zorn joined the Seahawks after holding the same position with the Detroit Lions for three seasons after breaking into the League as an offensive assistant with the Seahawks in 1997.

Prior to becoming a professional coach, Zorn spent eight seasons in the collegiate ranks, two as quarterback coach at the University of Minnesota, three as Utah State's offensive coordinator, and three as an offensive assistant/quarterbacks coach at Boise State.

Blache began his professional career as defensive line coach for the Indianapolis Colts for five seasons, and held the same position with the Green Bay Packers for six years after breaking into the League in 1988.

He began his coaching career as a defensive assistant at his alma mater Notre Dame in 1968 after suffering a leg injury that ended his playing career.

Following his graduation in 1971, he stayed on as a graduate assistant and then as an assistant coach for four seasons. In 1976 he joined Tulane's staff where in various seasons he coached the offensive line, outside linebackers, and defensive backs.

He returned to Notre Dame in 1981 to coach the running backs, followed by the defensive line and linebackers. He was defensive line coach for the USFL's Jacksonville Bulls for 1984-85, before returning to college to coach at Southern University and Kansas for one season each.

Blache and his wife Lynn have six children. Zorn and his wife Joy have four children.

http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=34109

Dan Snyder is now officially the biggest freakin moron in the NFL. We went from having two of the most respected and experienced coordinators in the NFL to having Zorn (never called his own plays) and Blache.

WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND HIRES BOTH COORDINATORS BEFORE THE HEAD COACH?!?!?!

Why? Because he fired an idiot. Lets face it dude, something happened and Snyder knows something about Williams.

[HEROHAMO]

I dont see how a head coach who has his own system is going to want to come with the coordinators already handpicked by the owner.

Daniel Snyder I want to break your legs with a baseball bat, you are a retard!

[aswas71788]

Isn't this kind of backward? Is it not normal for Head Coaches to choose their staff? I do not rmember a situation where the head Coach did not get to hire his staff members and my memory goes waaaaaaaaaay back.

[DarthMonk]

Isn't this kind of backward? Is it not normal for Head Coaches to choose their staff? I do not rmember a situation where the head Coach did not get to hire his staff members and my memory goes waaaaaaaaaay back.

Last year. Cowboys.

Like someone said earlier ... Danny likes to copy Jerry Jones.

DarthMonk

[HEROHAMO]

After thinking things over, at least it is some form of continuity.

[tcwest10]

Something must have happened during those four or five interviews to turn Snyder off completely. I don't pretend to know what it was, exactly, but I would not be at all surprised to find out down the road that Williams made it an all or nothing deal. You know, final say on picks and signings.
Let's see how this plays out. Zorn is a pretty good QB guy, which is what JC is gonna need to ever be successful in any significant way. The man has four different schemes bouncing around in his head right now. I also like Blache, who knows his men.
The are two very solid football men. It looks like we're either fleshing out somebody's staff under the table (tampering) before they're hired.
I also think Williams and Saunders were oil and water anyway.
Look. We're kinda cooked for money. I think we can forget about continuity now, and just be thankful it isn't Ray Handley and Dennis Green being brought in.
We're starting all over. We've all been through it before. Can't wait to see who's next.

[1niksder]

Welcome back

Something must have happened during those four or five interviews to turn Snyder off completely. I don't pretend to know what it was, exactly, but I would not be at all surprised to find out down the road that Williams made it an all or nothing deal. You know, final say on picks and signings.

Rumor has it was something about personnel decisions and who would have final say.

Let's see how this plays out. Zorn is a pretty good QB guy, which is what JC is gonna need to ever be successful in any significant way. The man has four different schemes bouncing around in his head right now.

So one of them will have to match up with what the head coach will want to do.

I also like Blache, who knows his men.

Four years of coaching the d-line and has been a DC in the past. Won't be much upheaval in the staff with him in charge.

The are two very solid football men. It looks like we're either fleshing out somebody's staff under the table (tampering) before they're hired.

Fassel was rumored to want Zorn and Rex Ryan and "the Danny" had no problem with that until the Ravens spoke up. Bugel will stay on as O-line coach, and Breaux, Simmons and Byner will follow Gibbs into re-retirement like last time. So Zorn will bring in a few coaches but there won't be a lot of change on that side of the ball. Blache will bring everybody back for the same reason he is still here.

I also think Williams and Saunders were oil and water anyway.
Look. We're kinda cooked for money. I think we can forget about continuity now, and just be thankful it isn't Ray Handley and Dennis Green being brought in.

Williams was rumored to dislike Saunder's "high powered" offense (the one we never got to see) because if the offense runs up and down the field the defensive players never got a chance to rest. I read somewhere he was against bring Saunders in two years ago. I haven't heard anything negative about Gregg coming from Al. But Gregg has been putting it out there since before they were on the same staff. nators "the Danny" still has to pay both Saunders and Williams so getting Zorn and giving the new Greg (one "G") for under $2 million the first year (about $800K each) is a good deal for him, if they bring in a new D-line coach no one else will be due a raise. Rex Ryan would have cost $2 million by himself and he would have brought in a whole new staff ( the current staff all have at least one year left on there contracts that "the Danny" would have to pay).
Everything point to Fassel and he's OK'd who his co-ordinators will be.
Why the wait is what I don't get.

We're starting all over. We've all been through it before. Can't wait to see who's next.

Here's where we disagree.
Look at how coaching changes go in the NFL, the Raiders last year, Miami then and now. The Raiders brought in a new guy and he brought in his guys, now the owner wants them out but doesn't want to pay the cost to get rid of them. Miami had a complete staff makeover last year and won one whole game this past season. The owner basically fired everybody the day the season ended.
The Skins on the other hand are playing the role of the Chargers. "sort of" They let there co-ordinators go before they fired the coach, the did retain most of the underlings.

The downside is that Campbell has to learn a new offense, but there's just not as much happening that doesn't happen when a coach goes home for good. The Skins are holding together what Gibbs built better than some. As of right now there has been no heas coach named but the Redskins have continuity on defense, and on the O-line.

The Redskins not rebuilding or starting over, it's not like most of the staff moved to Miami. But then if that happen you really could say "the Danny" is trying to be like Jerry Jones. Jerry couldn't pay his people to stay, "the Danny's" people didn't even have the option to leave, not to mention most weren't looking to go anywhere.

[DEHog]

The only job that scares off more people than this one is in the Black Hole of Oakland.

The owner there is senile.

Yea but Davis' days are numbered...Snyder could own this team for another 50 years!!

[Redskin in Canada]

Something must have happened during those four or five interviews to turn Snyder off completely.

Vinny Cerrato happened. The new Vice-President of Football Operations in charge of recruiting and "player development".

Machiavelli won. The good guy lost. (Temporary developments at that. Life puts everyone in its rightful place eventually).

Ladies and gentlemen,

Let me offer a WARM WELCOME BACK to TC. He is always a good poster and a frearsome smack contender. You have been warned on both counts.

[Irn-Bru]

Welcome back, TC. It is good to see you around again.

[CanesSkins26]

There was an interview on Triple X today with Blache, and in talking about his defensive philosophy, he mentioned that he wanted to be aggressive and that even though most people will disagree with him, he believes that corners are the most important part of the defense. Is anyone else concerned about the statement he made about corners? The one thing that frustrated me about GW's defenses was the inability to pressure the qb without blitzing. I just hope that Blache and the front office make an effort to improve our defensive line this offseason. The Seattle game highlighted our deficiencies in the trenches and that problem needs to be addressed. I don't care how good your corners are, but if you can't pressure the qb those corners are eventually going to get beat. Look around the league, and how many defenses with great corners and bad defensive lines are doing well? On the other hand, the Giants made the Super Bowl with a great defensive line and average linebackers and defensive backs.