Mark Davis andReggie McKenzieare casting a wide net in their search for the next head coach of theOakland Raiders.
Most of the candidates linked to the job so far have previous head coaching experience, and Pat Shurmur is one example.
Shurmur is an offensive-minded candidate, which is a preference many fans have, because it could go a long way towards the development ofDerek Carr.
Shurmur never played in the NFL, but he lettered all four years at Michigan State as an offensive lineman and has 26 years of total coaching experience, 15 of which is in the NFL.
Oct 26, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Eagles 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
His first nine seasons were spent at his alma mater in a variety of roles, including coaching the tight ends, special teams and the offensive line.
After one season of coaching the offensive line at Stanford, Shurmur made a jump to the NFL.
NFL Resume
His first NFL gig was with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he coached both the tight ends and the offensive line for three seasons (1999-2001).
During that time, Shurmur helped developed Eagles tight endChad Lewisinto a three-time Pro Bowl selection.
In 2002, Shurmur was moved to QB coach, where we would spend the next six seasons.
Under Shurmur’s lead,Donovan McNabbwould go on to be the Eagles franchise record holder in nearly every statistical category.
Due to his success in this role, Shurmur was hired by Steve Spagnuolo to be the offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams, where he would spend the next two seasons.
Shurmur’s first season as offensive coordinator was not a good one to say the least, as the Rams faltered to 1-15 overall, with his offfense finishing last in the NFL in points per game and 29th in total yards.
This wasMarc Bulger‘s last season as quarterback of the Rams, and next season, rookieSam Bradfordwould be the day one starter.
With Bradford now at the helm, St. Louis’ offense saw improvements in nearly every category, including total yards, time of possession and third-down percentage.
While the improvement was notable season-over-season, the offense still fell short compared to the rest of the league, finishing ranked 26th both in total points scored and total yards.
More from Las Vegas Raiders News
- Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
- Raiders: Bryan Edwards out, Henry Ruggs doubtful for Sunday
- Raiders: Damon Arnette re-injures thumb, could be headed to IR
- Raiders fall short in letdown Week 3 loss to the New England Patriots
- Raiders: Game breakdown and prediction for Week 3 at New England Patriots
Nonetheless, the Cleveland Browns were impressed with Shurmur enough to hire them to be their next head coach.
Shurmur elected not to hire an offensive coordinator and assumed play calling duties himself, and he hiredDick Jauronto be the defensive coordinator.
The Browns finished 4-12 in Shurmur’s first season, and the offense finished 29th in total yards and 30th in total points scored.
Shurmur does deserve some slack here, as his offense was far from talented.Colt McCoywas the quarterback,Peyton Hilliswas the running back and the two best wide receivers wereGreg LittleandJosh Cribbs.
In 2012, Brad Childress was hired as the offensive coordinator, and the Browns’ offense made some slight improvements, ranking 24th in total points scored and 25th in total yards.
The team finished 5-11 in Shurmur’s second season, and he was fired at the end of the season.
Shurmur’s most recent experience is spending the last two seasons (2013 and 2014) as the offensive coordinator on Chip Kelly’s Philadelphia Eagles.
Kelly runs the show for the Eagles and has final say over everything related to the offense, so it’s hard to say for sure how much influence or credit Shurmur should receive for how the offense performs.
More fromGolden Gate Sports
- Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
- 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
- Oakland Athletics win Game 2 of Wild Card round with late-inning drama
- 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
- 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve
How He Fits The Raiders
Regardless, Shurmur has certainly learned a ton under the tutelage of Kelly and could implement many of Philadelphia’s schemes in Oakland.
A spread type of offense that is very quarterback-friendly would greatly benefit Carr and the rest of the offense.
Especially dealing with Greg Olson the last few seasons, a coherent offense would be a welcoming refreshment.
But that’s best-case scenario and why he is better suited as a coordinator.
Shurmur is only two seasons removed from an awful stint as a head coach, and in St. Louis when Shurmur did have control over the offense, they never ranked better than 26th under his lead.
Even if he has learned new schemes in Philadelphia, there are more important things to consider.
What are his leadership qualities? Is he a motivator? Can he command the respect of the team and get the guys in the locker room prepared to battle week in and week out?
These are things that Shurmur failed at during his time as head coach, and why I believe he is not a good candidate for the Raiders.
Next: Todd Bowles: Oakland Raiders Coaching Profile
Add us as a preferred source onGoogleLoading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations