Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner has resigned, the Vikings announced today. ESPN’s Adam Schefter called it a “stunner.”
Pat Shurmer is taking over as the interim offensive coordinator. Shurmer was the offensive coordinator in Philadelphia from 2013-2015 and spent time working there with current Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford. He was also Bradford’s offensive coordinator when Bradford was named Rookie of the Year in 2010 with the St. Louis Rams.
The Eagles had excellent offensive seasons under Shurmer, ranking second in total offense in 2013, fifth in 2014 and 12th in 2015.
Before replacing Turner, Shurmer was the Vikings’ tight ends coach.
Norv Turner has resigned as the #Vikings offensive coordinator.
Pat Shurmur will serve as the interim. pic.twitter.com/T8if6EidMt
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 2, 2016
Minnesota’s offense has been one of the worst in the NFL this season, with noticeable struggles in pass protection and the running game. We did a story on Tuesday about Minnesota’s “undeniably pathetic” rushing attack, which ranks 31st in the NFL and dead last in yards per carry (2.7).
- Passing offense – 28th
- Scoring offense – 25th
- Total offense – 31st
- First downs – 32nd
- Rushing yards – 31st
- Yards per play – 31st
In addition, Bradford has been sacked 19 times this season, including 11 times in the last two weeks.
The Monday Morning Quarterback’s Peter King said Turner is simply the “fall guy” for a bad offense.
.@SI_PeterKing‘s thoughts on Norv Turner’s resignation and the #Vikings offense. pic.twitter.com/U4SFUAPteu
— The MMQB (@theMMQB) November 2, 2016
“I have tremendous respect for Mike Zimmer, our coaching staff, and our players and at this time I think it’s in the best interest of the team to step down,” Turner said in a statement. “I thank the Wilf family for my time here in Minnesota and want to see our players and coaches achieve success.”
Norv Turner believes he and Mike Zimmer will remain friends but considered his options for weeks as differences emerged over O solutions
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) November 2, 2016
Packers' Edgar Bennett was promoted in February of 2015 and is now longest-tenured OC in NFC North.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 2, 2016
Turner’s son, Scott Turner, is still Minnesota’s quarterbacks coach.
Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer will address the media at 11 a.m.
Lot of #Vikings players loved Norv. But there was sense months ago this might be his last year. Shurmur was key voice in Bradford trade.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 2, 2016
