Vikings OC Norv Turner abruptly retires, per report

The Minnesota Vikings’ offense - particularly their offensive line - has been brutally bad in the last two weeks. In back-to-back losses to the Eagles and Bears, the Vikings scored just 10 points in each game and gave up six and five sacks respectively. They also failed to reach 300 yards of offense in either contest.

However, they are still 5-2, and are in the driver’s seat in the NFC North. That’s what makes today’s news so shocking.

Offensive coordinator Norv Turner is abruptly retiring from the NFL.

That’s the report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter from this morning, which was confirmed by the Vikings a few minutes later. Apparently former Browns head coach Pat Shurmer (the nephew of legendary Packers defensive coordinator Fritz Shurmer) will take over Turner’s position.

To be sure, Turner’s offense has gone through plenty of issues this season. Several expected starters were lost to injury over the early part of the season, including QB Teddy Bridgewater, RB Adrian Peterson, and both starting offensive tackles. Still, the timing of this move is peculiar at best, with the Vikings currently sitting second overall in the NFC.