As Pat Shurmur and the Minnesota Vikings attempt to beat the New Orleans Saints Sunday, the New York Giants are reportedly eyeballing him for their vacant position at head coach.
Ian Rapoport noted on Sunday that Shurmur, along with Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, remains a “strong candidate” to become New York’s next head coach.
As #Vikings OC Pat Shurmur's team takes the field today, he remains a strong candidate for the #Giants job. If his team loses, NYG could move quickly. His staff is ready. #Panthers DC Steve Wilks remains a strong candidate, as well.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 14, 2018
The added note that Shurmur’s “staff is ready” tells us all we need to know about how serious the Giants are about bringing him on board.
Shurmur has been coaching at the NFL level since 1999. He’s been an offensive coordinator for three teams and was the head coach of the Cleveland Browns for two seasons between 2011-2012. During that time, Shurmur guided the Browns to a record of 9-23. He was also the interim head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015 after Chip Kelly was fired.
Notably, Shurmur has a track record of getting the most out of quarterbacks who were previously thought to be mediocre. We’re seeing this play out in 2017, as he’s helped Case Keenum have a career year. He also was a big reason why Sam Bradford was so proficient in 2016 and, if hired in New York, would presumably do the same for Eli Manning and his eventual replacement.