WASHINGTON – Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn is the first recipient of the axe.

Zorn, the fifth head coach hired by Redskins’ owner Daniel Snyder over the past 11 years got the news shortly after his team’s 23-20 loss to San Diego on Sunday.

Speculation of Zorn being canned started early in the season when many began questioning his play-calling. A game or two later, Zorn’s Redskins lost to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in a game that many thought would be the coachs’ last.

Further into the season he was relieved of his play-calling duties making it evident he would be turning in his headset.

Bruce Allen, Washington Redskins Executive VP/GM made the announcement early Monday that Zorn officially received his pink slip and will not return to the team’s sidelines in 2010.

“The status quo is not acceptable,’ said Allen. “I felt it was necessary to not waste a moment of time to begin building this team into a winner.”

Former Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan is the top candidate to succeed Zorn.

Unrelated but More Fun Than a Pink Slip: NFL Sexiest Cheerleaders Gallery

Copyright © 2010 – Sports Climax