PHILADELPHIA -- Mike Zimmer has seen firsthand the magic Pat Shurmur can work. Zimmer is the Minnesota Vikings' head coach. Shurmur is his offensive coordinator.
Shurmur has reshaped the Vikings’ offense on the fly this season with Case Keenum as his quarterback. He began 2017 with the less-mobile Sam Bradford behind center.
It’s just one of the reasons Zimmer believes Shurmur would do well wherever he lands (likely with the New York Giants) as a head coach.
“I think if he gets the opportunity, he’ll be successful,” Zimmer said during a conference call with Philadelphia media as his team prepares for the NFC Championship Game on Sunday afternoon against the Eagles.
The Giants' focus for their head-coaching position has shifted to Shurmur, 52, in recent days. His strong interview, ability to be flexible with personnel and scheme and success with quarterbacks impressed team brass. It would be surprising if he didn’t end up as their coach whenever the Vikings' season ends.
It might have to wait until after the Super Bowl on Feb. 4 in Minnesota.
Zimmer’s respect for his offensive coordinator predates their time with the Vikings. Shurmur originally joined his staff as the tight-ends coach following a stint as Cleveland Browns head coach and as the Eagles’ offensive coordinator.
“I was able to compete against Pat a few times when he was a head coach in Cleveland,” Zimmer said. “I always thought his schemes did a good job.
“And then we brought him in here as one of the assistants. He’s a smart guy, good relationship with the players. He’s done an outstanding job this year and I do believe he’s earned the right [to be a head coach].”
Shurmur’s ability to collaboratively work with players is among the reasons he’s on the verge of received a second chance as a head coach. He received several stamps of approval Wednesday from players he coached during his second stint with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Current Eagles starter Nick Foles threw 27 touchdown passes and two interceptions in 2013 with Shurmur as the offensive coordinator and Chip Kelly as the head coach.
“Pat is a tremendous coach,” Foles said. “I really enjoyed playing for him. He’s obviously had a lot of success since.”
The Vikings finished 11th in total offense this season and 10th in points per game (23.9). Shurmur is getting a lot
“Pat is a really smart guy,” tight end Zach Ertz said. “Obviously he didn’t have a ton of input in regards to the game plan or calling plays [in 2013], but the success he had previously in St. Louis with Sam and now with the Vikings. I don’t think it’s a surprise to anyone around this building. He’s extremely smart, he’s not going to overcomplicate the thing for the quarterback and he’s going to put guys in situations to be successful. … And he’s a really good guy to be around. It’s fun to be around him. He’s going to be a great head coach, whenever and wherever that is going to be.”
Shumur appears destined to get that opportunity. He also interviewed with the Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals and Detroit Lions this year.
Zimmer is working under the premise that he will lose his offensive coordinator, sources told ESPN’s Chris Mortensen earlier this week.
Shurmur went 9-23 as the head coach of the Browns in 2011-12. In retrospect, considering Cleveland’s recent struggles, that might not have been so bad: The Browns are 1-31 over the past two seasons under Hue Jackson.
Shurmur more than meets the Giants’ pre-search criteria of either having head-coaching experience or being a longtime coordinator. He’s been both.
There is reason to believe given his track record that he will achieve more success the second time around as a head coach. Zimmer -- and the Giants -- are among those who believe it can happen.