Future Giants Coach Pat Shurmer (the Philadelphia view) ... ...
>> Former Eagles assistant coach Pat Shurmur has worked wonders with Vikings
Nick Fierro
The Morning Call (Allentown, PA)
January, 19, 2018
mcall.com
Pat Shurmur’s return to Philadelphia this Sunday conjures nothing but fond memories and a ton of respect.
Shurmur is the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive coordinator who has helped them overcome the loss of their top two quarterback choices — Teddy Bridgewater last year and Sam Bradford this year — to get in position to reach the Super Bowl.
Now only the Eagles stand in their way. The teams will mix it up in Sunday night’s NFC Championship Game.
Shurmur has strong Philadelphia ties, having served two tours as an Eagles assistant coach, the latest as offensive coordinator under Chip Kelly from 2013 through 2015.
Actually, Shurmur was elevated to interim head coach when Kelly was fired with one game remaining in 2015 and won that game.
He interviewed for the opening that went to Doug Pederson, but there were never hard feelings.
“He’s well-respected around the building,” tackle Lane Johnson said. “I wish him the best.”
“He’s a tremendous coach,” quarterback Nick Foles raved. “I really enjoyed playing for him and I’m excited. He’s obviously had a lot of success since [leaving]. I haven’t seen him since I was here last, I believe, so it will be good to see him and compete against him.”
Just as Shurmur helped produce the finest season of Foles’ career in 2013, he’s done the same for Case Keenum this season.
His work since going 9-23 as the Cleveland Browns head coach has reportedly led the New York Giants to seriously consider making him their next head coach, which they can’t officially do until Minnesota’s season ends.
“I was really excited for him for the opportunity [to coach the Giants],” Foles said. “I know he’s focused on their team, but I’m excited for his opportunity.”
“He’s one of my favorite coaches I’ve played for,” said tight end Brent Celek. “I wish him a lot of luck except for the two games he plays the Eagles [each season].”
With Shurmur running the offense since Norv Turner abruptly walked away in the middle of last season, the Vikings’ attack has turned powerful.
Keenum (325-of-481 for 3,547 yards, 22 TDs, 7 interceptions) has played so well that they dare not turn back to Bridgewater or Bradford, both healthy now after knee injuries. They also were the 10th-highest scoring team in the league in the regular season.
So respected is Shurmur around the league that this week he was named NFL assistant coach of the year by the Pro Football Writers of America.
He is the second Vikings assistant to earn the award. Brian Billick, who went on to win a Super Bowl as head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, was the first.
What it all means is that the mismatch the Eagles enjoyed most last weekend with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz outclassing Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian won’t be in play this week.
At least the Eagles recognize that.
“I go all the way back to 1999 with Pat,” Pederson said, “and he was our tight end coach here in Philadelphia. He is smart. He’s obviously been a head coach in this league and been a coordinator in this league. He’s done an outstanding job with Minnesota the last couple of weeks and the last couple years.
“He understands defense, meaning he’s putting his guys in positions to be successful, particularly that quarterback. It’s been kind of fun to kind of watch him and watch kind of what they’ve done offensively this season as well.”
Shurmur’s most enjoyable work came with the Eagles, however. He was on their staff from 1999 through 2008, which means he went to all five NFC title games they participated in during that span.
Two years as offensive coordinator of the St. Louis Rams followed, then two more as head coach of the Browns before landing back with the Eagles under Kelly.
Still, he’s relished his time in Minnesota as well.
“This is a breath of fresh air,” Shurmur told The Philadelpha Inquirer on Thursday. “Sometimes it’s cold air, but it’s fresh. I’ve really enjoyed working here and I’ve learned a lot about everything football from our general manager Rick Spielman and our coach [Mike] Zimmer. <<
- Eric L. - |
