Ex-Packers/Seahawks Coach Holmgren Stands Up For Skins' Zorn

November 3, 2009 3:32 p.m. EST

Washington, DC (AHN) - Although John Riggins spoke out against the ability of Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn, some are also standing by him, including ex-Packers coach Mike Holmgren, who believes it was wrong to strip Zorn of play-calling duties.

At the head of his 'defense team' is Mike Holmgren, a former Seahawks coach who once worked with Zorn - a quarterback's coach at the time. He called the move very unfair, and not a position Zorn should ever be put in.

"You can be upset with me as a play-caller or how the team's going, [then] fire me," Holmgren told ESPN radio. "But don't do that. Don't pull the rug out from under me, tie my hands, make me look foolish ? take away what I came there for to do in the first place. Don't do that."

Numerous NFL figures have condemned Dan Snyder, including John Kent Cooke, Rich Gannon and even 'Riggo', despite him not being a big Zorn fan.

Zorn told the press that management told him to strongly consider relinquish play calling duties to Sherm Lewis, a consultant hired on October 19.

It's believed by some, including Hall of Fame Seahawks wide receiver Steve Largent, the decision was made in hopes of forcing Zorn to quit his job.