One of the biggest decisions Vikings coach Mike Zimmer will have to make during the offseason is what to do about his offensive coordinator.
Should Zimmer retain interim offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, or will he look elsewhere for a solution?
While Zimmer isn’t expected to rush the decision – Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford weighed in saying he’s “all for” Shurmur remaining as the Vikings offensive coordinator.
“We were together my rookie year. We were together in Philadelphia,” Bradford told reporters Wednesday. “I think he’s got a great mind, I’ve learned a lot from him. I owe a lot to Pat, and it’s been really fun getting back and having him call the plays.”
ZIMMER on decision on Pat Shurmur as OC in 2017: "I'll sit down, take a fresh look at everything. Not thinking about that right now."
— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) December 28, 2016
Shurmur took over following Norv Turner’s sudden resignation midway through the season.
Bradford’s support for Shurmur isn’t a surprise. The two have history and despite the team’s recent struggles – losing eight of their last 10 games – Bradford has played pretty well.
He’s completed 71.3 percent of his passes and thrown 17 touchdowns to just four interceptions. He’s also passed for 3,627 yards – more than any Vikings quarterback in a single season since Brett Favre threw for 4,202 yards in 2009.
Unlike 2009, the Vikings offense just didn’t turn production into points. Minnesota averaged just 19.3 points per game (26th in the NFL). They also ranked near the bottom of the league (30th) in red zone touchdown production – scoring touchdowns on just 43.5 percent of their trips into the red zone.
“When you look at a lot of those games, there were just too many self-inflicted wounds,” said Bradford. “I think we made too many mistakes and put ourselves behind the 8-ball and we weren’t able to overcome them.”
The Vikings close the regular season Sunday against Chicago.
