Norv Turner has interview request from Minnesota Vikings
Norv Turner coaches before a game against the Chicago Bears at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns have given highly touted coordinators Norv Turner and Ray Horton the opportunity to freely interview whichever teams they’d like, since the Browns are expected to allow their next head coach to fire or retain members of the coaching staff at their leisure. That’s mostly rumor at this point, but every indication is that the Browns would be willing to allow either Horton or Turner to leave. It was even reported earlier this month that Horton had been fired in favor of former Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz as the next defensive coordinator, which was thankfully a false report since the move wouldn’t have made any sense whatsoever.
Horton, who is a top candidate for the Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator job and would reunite with Ken Whisenhunt there if hired, is the more touted name, but Turner certainly has a long track record and is among the most valued offensive coordinators in the league despite his major struggles as a head coach. Since the Browns are closing in on offense-minded head coaches, most prominently Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase, they would be more than willing to part ways with Turner.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Minnesota Vikings have asked and received permission from the Browns to interview Norv Turner for their offensive coordinator gig to replace Bill Musgrave. Turner would be an upgrade over Musgrave, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Turner was new Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer’s top candidate. Zimmer was just hired by the Vikings today, so it’s great to see that the defense-minded coach is quick on the search for a strong offensive coordinator to help him succeed and find and develop a franchise quarterback in the Twin Cities. Then again, is Norv actually good at developing QBs?