4 candidates to be the next Vikings offensive coordinator

Pat Shurmur

Pat Shurmur is already in talks to become the new offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos according to multiple reports on Sunday. But if things don’t work out in Denver, the Vikings would likely welcome a reunion with their former play-caller.

Shurmur was recently let go by the New York Giants after being their head coach for the last two seasons and he is an ideal replacement for Kevin Stefanski in Minnesota. Before the Giants hired him, Shurmur was the Vikings offensive coordinator back in 2017 when they went to the NFC Championship.

Primarily, Shurmur runs a west coast offensive scheme. He loves to run the football and throw to his backs. He also loves to use the run to set up play-action pass calls. This was something Stefanski carried over from him and Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has proved to be excellent on plays that begin with play action.

The transition from Stefanski to Shurmur would probably be a very smooth one indeed for Minnesota.

Another strength of Shurmur’s is his ability to adapt his scheme to best fit his quarterback. When he was last with the Vikings, he started the 2017 season with Sam Bradford under center. After Bradford was hurt in Week 1, Case Keenum took over as Minnesota’s starting quarterback.

So Shurmur went from a passer who was basically a statue in the pocket to one who could actually scramble and create extra time. He also went from a smart, cautious thrower to one that was a bit of a gunslinger and not afraid to throw the ball into traffic.

Shurmur adjusted his play-calling and he was able to get more out of Keenum than any other NFL coach has before or since.

Since his departure wasn’t too long ago, Shurmur is still familiar with many of the players on the Vikings’ current roster and he is obviously close to Mike Zimmer. If Gary Kubiak is the top option to take over as Minnesota’s new offensive coordinator, then Shurmur is a very close second.