Zorn to stay coach of the Redskins

ASHBURN, Va., Oct. 23 (UPI) -- Washington Redskins Coach Jim Zorn will keep his job for at least the rest of the season, a team official said Friday.

Zorn has been under fire as the Redskins have started the season 2-4. Washington has lost to Detroit, Carolina and Kansas City -- teams that have just one other win between them this season -- and narrowly defeated St. Louis and Tampa Bay. Those teams haven't won this season.

Washington averaged 13 points over its first six games. After last Sunday's loss to the Chiefs, Zorn had his play-calling duties pulled and assigned to offensive consultant Sherm Lewis.

That move was seen as an attempt to force Zorn's resignation.

But Friday Redskins Executive Vice President Vinny Cerrato told an ESPN980 radio show audience, "Jim Zorn is the head coach of the Washington Redskins and will be for the rest of this season and, hopefully, into the future."

Cerrato said the organization is "very disappointed" with the season so far but he wanted to be "totally crystal clear" about Zorn's status.

Zorn is the sixth Washington coach in the 10 years since Dan Snyder bought the Redskins. Snyder hasn't commented publicly on Zorn this season.