Redskins executive vice president/general manager Bruce Allen announced on Monday that Jim Zorn has been dismissed and will not return as the franchise's head coach in 2010.

Allen said Zorn was informed of the decision shortly after the team returned to Redskins Park from its 23-20 loss to the San Diego Chargers on Sunday.

Allen said his three-week game and preparation observations made the decision clear.

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

The Redskins now begin their search for the 28th head coach in franchise history.

Zorn produced a 12-20 record in his two years as Redskins head coach.

Zorn, an accomplished NFL quarterback and long-time assistant coach with the Seattle Seahawks, arrived at Redskins Park as offensive coordinator in January 2008.

A few weeks later, in a surprise announcement, Zorn was promoted to head coach, succeeding Joe Gibbs.

Early on, Zorn generated excitement with a 6-2 start, including consecutive road wins over the Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles.

Since then, the Redskins struggled to a 6-18 record. The team missed the playoffs in 2008 and was not close to contention last season, finishing 4-12.

It was the Redskins' worst record since 1994 when they were 3-13.