Norv Turner, George Edwards favorites to be MN Vikings coordinaotrs
Minnesota Vikings helmet sits in the grass during training camp at Minnesota State University. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings hired their head coach yesterday after deciding that former Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer was their best choice, and it was a solid move made by Rick Spielman and the Wilfs. Next up for the Vikings is finding offensive and defensive coordinators to help their first-year head coach succeed, and it’s especially key for the franchise QB-less Vikings to find a strong offensive coordinator to help out their defense-minded head coach.
It looks like the clear favorite to land the job is Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Norv Turner, who was given freedom to pursue other jobs and received an interview request yesterday. Zimmer must really respect him after coaching against him twice this past season, and Turner is one of the most respected offensive coordinators in the league. An excellent play-caller, Turner’s only failings were as a head coach, and he would be tasked with a lot of responsibility in Minnesota as the offensive coordinator. His ability to develop quarterbacks has been put into question, and he’ll have to effectively develop the next franchise QB for the Vikings and lead a preferably strong offense.
Turner is reportedly close to signing a deal with the Vikings, and the NFL Network’s Albert Breer reports that Norv Turner and Miami Dolphins LBs coach George Edwards are the favorites to land coordinator gigs. It would be a shock to see anyone other than Turner become the Vikings next offensive coordinator due to how quickly talks have proceeded, and the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that, if indeed hired, Turner would bring his son Scott as the Vikings next QBs coach; that’s very interesting.
Edwards is also close to becoming the Vikings next defensive coordinator and is the favorite- though not quite as clear as Turner- but is still expected to compete with others interviewing for the gig. That said, Edwards has indeed left Miami in order to become at least the Vikings next LBs coach, which is still an important role on the team and is a gig valued by Mike Zimmer.