Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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Minnesota went 16-9 with Shurmur calling plays, including a stellar 13-3 season in 2017 during which the Vikings opened 2-2 but captured an NFC North crown and advanced to the NFC title game.
As he reflected on his time in Purple, Shurmur said what he appreciated most was getting a chance to learn from Zimmer, especially about his persistent approach to the game.
“It kind of reaffirmed in my mind — I really enjoyed the fact that it’s kind of an old-school mentality. I have an eye on the future and everything, but an old-school mentality,” Shurmur said. “I feel like, as an offensive coach, I’ve been shaped greatly by all the defensive coaches that I’ve worked with.
“Being with Zim’ sort of reminded me to run the ball, play good defense, protect the quarterback … all the gritty things that we all know about the game, but every once in a while, you need reminders on,” Shurmur added. “It was awesome to be able to help contribute to a 13-3 season … I guess the satisfaction was being at least a small part of that. Those are the things you remember. I think the staff, the guys we worked with.”
Zimmer also praised Shurmur — both as a coach, and also as a family man.
The Vikings Head Coach also said he cherished the times he would pop into Shurmur’s office at Winter Park and two would talk shop.
“He’s a great person, great family. His wife and his daughter, they’re terrific people, and his son, Kyle, [a quarterback who is on the Chiefs practice squad],” Zimmer said. “I think about the personal relationship that we had, being able to go in and talk to him all the time and the way that he took over in a tough situation and helped us to win games.
“Pat’s a good friend, good football coach. We appreciate everything that he did when he was here,” Zimmer also added. “He’s doing a nice job there. They’re sixth in the league in total offense. They’re doing a really good job, and it’ll be fun to go play.”