JIM ZORN NAMED XFL HEAD COACH IN SEATTLE

Zorn spent 11 years as a quarterback in the NFL, having the distinction of being the expansion Seattle Seahawks’ first signal caller in 1976. He also played for the Green Bay Packers (1985) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1987). A rare left-handed passer, Zorn threw for more than 21,000 yards during his NFL career, with 111 touchdowns, and rushed for 1,504 yards scoring 17 touchdowns. He played his college football as a quarterback at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

Zorn began a successful college coaching career in 1989 as an offensive assistant and quarterbacks coach at Boise State University. In 1992, he became offensive coordinator at Utah State University for three seasons before moving on to the University of Minnesota as quarterbacks coach from 1995 to 1996.

Zorn transitioned to NFL coach in 1997. He served two stints with the Seahawks, first as an offensive assistant (1997), then as quarterbacks coach (2001-2007). He also worked as quarterbacks coach for the Detroit Lions (1998-2000), Baltimore Ravens (2010), and Kansas City Chiefs (2011-2012). Players benefitting from his expertise include Charlie Batch, Matt Hasselbeck, and Joe Flacco. Zorn served as the head coach of the Washington Redskins in 2008 and 2009.

Coach Zorn is well-known in the Pacific Northwest and will be returning to his professional football roots to build the XFL team in Seattle. The XFL will kick off on Feb. 8, 2020.

XFL NAMES RYAN GUSTAFSON TEAM PRESIDENT IN SEATTLE

Ryan Gustafson, most recently the Vice President of Business Strategy & Development for Sounders FC, has been named President of the XFL football team in Seattle.

"I’m excited to help bring the XFL to the Pacific Northwest and build a team that makes a lasting impact in our community. Growing up less than ten miles from CenturyLink Field, and with a love of all things connected to Seattle sports, I know how special fans are here, and I’m grateful to the XFL leadership for this truly unique opportunity.” - Ryan Gustafson, President of the XFL Team in Seattle

For all media inquiries, please contact:

Jim Christman
Director, Communications & Media Relations
Jim.Christman@xflseattle.com

ABOUT CENTURYLINK FIELD

CenturyLink Field has been the home of the Seattle Seahawks since 2002, and in 2020 it will become home to Seattle’s XFL team. The open-air football stadium has a capacity of over 68,000 and a roof covering 70 percent of the seating area. Its wide concourses offer outstanding views of the Seattle skyline, nearby Safeco Field, the Cascades and Mount Rainier, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The stadium was uniquely constructed for sound and has twice held the Guinness World Record for loudest crowd at an outdoor stadium.