Vikings OC Norv Turner resigns, Pat Shurmer takes over
— -- Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner has resigned.
"I have tremendous respect for [head coach] Mike Zimmer, our coaching staff, and our players and at this time I think it is 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."
Pat Shurmur will be the interim offensive coordinator. Zimmer will speak later Wednesday.
The Vikings lost 20-10 to the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Monday night, their second straight loss after a 5-0 start. They lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 21-10 on Oct. 23
The Vikings are 31st in total offense, and 31st in yards per game at 293.3. The team has also been hit by injuries to Adrian Peterson, who tore the meniscus in his right knee, and linemen Matt Kalil and Andre Smith. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater suffered a dislocated knee and ligament damage in an August practice.?
Minnesota safety Harrison Smith, on a conference call with Detroit reporters, said Turner's resignation sends a message that the Vikings need to get back on track.
"I've always loved Norv," Smith said, "but right now all I can do is focus on playing the Lions."
Shurmur has been Vikings QB Sam Bradford's offensive coordinator twice before -- in St. Louis in 2010, Bradford's rookie season, and in Philadelphia in 2015. He was hired this offseason as the Vikings tight ends coach.
Turner joined the Vikings in 2014, after serving as offensive coordinator with the Cleveland Browns for one season. Before that, he spent six seasons as the San Diego Chargers' head coach.
At the time, Turner inherited a Vikings offense that ranked 13th overall, but 23rd in passing.
ESPN's Michael Rothstein contributed to this report.
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