It’s Official: Browns Name Pat Shurmur as New Head Coach
January 13, 2011More Fun With Cavs Videos
January 13, 2011Last week, I spent some time writing about Mike Mularkey as a candidate for the Browns’ head coaching job. Mularkey’s interview did not seem to solidify his candidacy, and now the job belongs to one Pat Shurmer.
I, myself, admittedly don’t know much about him. So, in the spirit (and largely the same format) of my Mularkey tome from last week, I’m going to see if I shed a little more light on the guy who is our new head coach.
First, the basics: Shurmur turns 46 in April, and is the nephew of the late Fritz Shurmur who was Holmgren’s long-time defensive coordinator in Green Bay (there’s a big connection); Pat Shurmur also worked as the OL/TE/QBs coach for most of the 2000’s in Philadelphia (Heckert connection). In the spirit of honesty, I was fairly ambivalent about Shurmur as a candidate, so the following isn’t designed to be as much of a “sell job” as my Mularkey piece was; but since a lot of the categories I used were what I thought to be “important” for this job, I’m using the same ones and comparing Shurmur to them. Keep that in mind as you read.
Experience
Head Coaching Experience
Shurmur has no head coaching experience at any level. His coaching resume reads as follows: Michigan State Tight Ends coach: 1990-1997; Stanford Offensive Line coach: 1998; Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Line and Tight Ends coach: 1999-2001; Philadelphia Eagles Quarterbacks coach: 2002-2008; St. Louis Rams Offensive Coordinator: 2009-present.
Playing Experience
Shurmur played football at Michigan State in the 1980s as an offensive lineman (center). He played under coach George Perles, was a three-year starter at center, earned All Big 10 Conference honors in 1987, and was a co-captain on a team that defeated USC in the Rose Bowl. He did not play in the NFL.
Young QB Experience
Here’s where Shurmur has a good deal of experience. He became Philadelphia’s QBs coach in 2002. So, he spent his first years as such working with a pretty good young QB in Donovan McNabb (granted, McNabb’s first few years were with Brad Childress as QBs coach). Still, it’s hard to argue about the results there. Philly also drafted and developed Kevin Kolb beginning in 2007, which overlaps with Shurmur’s last two years there. Shurmur was promoted to the rank of Offensive Coordinator in 2009, joining new coach Steve Spagnolo’s staff in St. Louis. They, too, took a QB high in the draft with Sam Bradford at #1 in 2010. Shurmur gets a lot of credit for developing Bradford in his rookie year. So, whether the Browns’ QB of the future is Colt McCoy or someone else yet to be drafted, Shurmur has credentials for developing young QBs successfully.
Philosophy
Offensive Coordinating
I believed that Holmgren was going to naturally drift toward a coach with offensive chops, since that’s who he is/was and what he knows. Shurmur certainly fits that bill, as he cut his teeth as a center (the O-lineman responsible for reading defenses and making blocking calls), worked as a tight ends and quarterbacks coach, and is now an offensive coordinator who (according to the Series of Tubes) is rooted in the “West Coast Offense” employed by Holmgren and by extension Andy Reid—Shurmur’s boss from 1999-2008.
Stats-wise, in 2010, the Rams’ offense was 26th overall in total yards (Browns were 29th), 21st in passing yards (29th), 25th in rushing yards (20th), and tied for 26th in points per game (31st). In 2009, those numbers were: Total yards: 29th (32nd), 28th (32nd), 20th (8th), and 32nd (29th). If you’re not blown away by those numbers, it’s understandable. Remember, though, that the Rams aren’t much better personnel-wise than the Browns currently are, and there was improvement from year-one to year-two. But, as we discussed last week, that knife cuts both ways… Shurmur is inheriting that same awful Browns’ personnel. This really comes down to Craig’s point: Shurmur’s success will be predicated on how well he works with Holmgren and Heckert, and then how well H&H can outfit his roster (especially on offense).
One silver-lining: “[Steven] Jackson finished with the NFC rushing title in 2009 after tallying 1,416 yards, the second highest total of his career. Jackson also produced 1,738 total yards from scrimmage, second-highest total in the NFC. He rushed for 100 yards in a career-high seven games.” The flip side to that is that Jackson toted the rock 324 times in 15 games that year; in other words, he was option A, B, and C. Kind of like Peyton Hillis. And, as we know, that’s not sustainable. Jackson also carried the ball 330 times in 16 games in 2010, and was less effective (1,241 yards rushing, 1,624 total yards).
Offensive Philosophy
I admittedly don’t know much about Shurmur’s overall philosophy save reading that he’s a WCO guy, so I did a little Googling. I found a nice piece on the offense on St. Louis Examiner.com. In it, Tim Klutsarits breaks down the 2010 Rams’ offense by player, giving each a letter grade. Some quotes that jumped out at me from the piece:
- “[Quarterback Sam] Bradford had one of the best seasons for a rookie NFL quarterback in NFL history. The team record improved by six wins with Bradford at the helm and he did everything the Rams could have wanted from him. Overall though his numbers as an NFL Quarterback were not all that great. 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions with a QB Rating of 76.5 all should be the worst numbers of his career.” I had to include a QB quote, given our development trend with Colt McCoy. While a lot of this is Bradford’s talent and makeup, there’s something to be said for the offensive coordinator—that would be Shurmur—putting him in position to succeed with a WR corps almost completely devoid of impact talent. Like, say, the Browns’.
- “[Steven Jackson] led the team in rushing of course (1241) but the yards per carry (3.8)were down while the amount of attempts (330) were up.” The commitment to the run is nice. However, coming off a season in which Peyton Hillis got all but run into the ground, this particular stat is not encouraging overall. But, the Rams’ RB depth was as bad or worse than the Browns’ was, so Shurmur didn’t have a lot of other options.
- “[Fullback Mike] Karney got into the doghouse at Rams Park because the Rams didn’t really use a true fullback for much of the second half of the season.” Not what you want to hear when you have Lawrence Vickers on your team.
- “[Tight End Michael Hoomanawanui] was a bit of a tease this year because you could see how he can become a force on the offense, but continued to be hampered by injuries. If the Rams can keep him on the field in 2011 then their offense will be much better.” I pull this quote because it shows Shurmur’s desire and willingness to use the tight end to be an impact player. Not surprising, since Shurmur cut his teeth as a TEs coach.
Overall, I know this doesn’t give you an overwhelming look at what Shurmur does as a coordinator, but it gives you a sense of how he used the tools he had, which is many ways mirrored what the Browns had/have.
Intangibles
Cold Weather Coaching Experience
Again, this might seem stupid to some, but the fact that Shurmur has coached quarterbacks in Philadelphia does help salve the few alarm bells going off in my head about this hire. It doesn’t solve all ills, but it’s good to know that Shurmur can work with QBs who have to fight the elements (and he was in Philly for a decade). As we saw as the season wore on with McCoy, the elements (or was it the competition?) can affect your QB’s play.
AFC North Coaching Experience
None. Shurmur’s NFL coaching has been exclusively in the NFC. His Rams team did not play the AFC North either year, and in Philly he wasn’t involved in game-planning (I wouldn’t think) to a high degree in the few times that they would have been playing the AFC North.
———————–
There are clearly some knocks against Shurmur (no head-coaching experience, no NFL playing experience, only two years as a coordinator with less than exciting results), but sometimes those coordinator hires can be tricky. I had not heard much about Mike Tomlin before he got hired. John Harbaugh got promoted from Special Teams Coordinator in Philly to head coach in Baltimore, and that has clearly worked out OK so far (three for three in playoff appearances). Again, it all speaks to the notion of organizational stability, and those two organizations are solid from top to bottom.
If Shurmur can work well with Holmgren and Heckert, and can fill out a solid staff to work with the players they give him, he can be successful. And, as I’ve espoused in the past, I think talent trumps coaching in the NFL. Most NFL-level coaches are good coaches, or they wouldn’t be in the NFL. If you’re bringing a knife to a gun fight in terms of talent, however, it really does make success more difficult. Talent can make an average coach look good, and lack thereof can make a good coach look average or bad. Coaching is part of that, of course, but talent goes much further, in my opinion.
I’m lukewarm to this hire, but I’m in no way saying “NOOO!!” like I largely did with the Mangini hire. And, in spite of that, Mangini did some things to give me pause along the way; though, in the spirit of honesty again, I didn’t shed too many tears for his dismissal. I guess what I’m saying is this: I don’t think this hire is as important as coaching-hires-past, as this one is more about organizational stability and getting everyone pulling in the same direction. The front office is in place, and appears to be solid going forward. This coaching hire is literally the last big piece, instead of the first big piece as it was two years ago.
The organization continues to need to bring talent to the roster, and I think if Shurmur can maintain some of the defensive continuity while tweaking the offense–and getting some better players, of course–he can be successful. The other 900-lb gorilla in the room is the notion that Shurmur is being hired as “Holmgren’s apprentice,” which is an intriguing thought… and possibly not too far from the truth. In this theory, Holmgren’s not just hiring a coach, winding him up, and letting him go. In that respect, having a guy who shares much of the same coaching philosophy as Holmgren is an asset, even if the coach himself is not the most–how you say–experienced head coach.
For everyone that wanted Holmgren to come down and coach the team, isn’t this kind of like having your cake and eating it too, then? Holmgren will clearly influence Shurmur and help him learn to be a successful head coach, while also keeping his feet still in the front office. I’m saying not saying this as a “definite”; only mentioning it as a likely possibility.
Alright, WFNY. Go nuts! Whaddya think?
28 Comments
DP – good analysis. It would be nice to have some testimonials from players about his work-ethic, ability to get the best out of players, etc. Will withhold judgment until I hear directly from Shurmur himself.
On a more sober level, given the recent events in Arizona you might want to edit your “knife to gun fight” sentence. Just suggesting…
Let’s not pretend we’ll have any basis for an informed opinion for lots of months.
People are focusing on his youg QB developing but position coaches, not head coaches, spend the endless hours with specific position players and coach them up.
For me, the HC has to have deft ringmaster skills in organizing the team and coaches and setting the tone, and also must have in-game understanding and confidence. Some great coordinators are disasters at that – Romeo and Bud Carson come to mind. Some are unexpected naturals: Marty was a DC still in his 30s but knew what he wanted, re-stablished discipline, smoothly organized his vision and moved the parts around from the moment he took over from Rutigliano. The Steelers coach seems cut from the same clothe.
Could care less if the players think he’ll be great because they like him as an coordinator. They loved Carson and Romeo, which accomplished little. Some of the same guys praising Mangini played weirdly flat and with an inexplicable sense of entitlement against Carolina, Buffalo and Cincy.
Can he institute a working system with guys playing to their potential, and can figure out how to win games, especially in the division? That’s the only issue. And we have zero idea. We just know that H & H are confident enough to make a relatively quick pick, even though it didn’t appear they feared being outbid. Hope they’re right, for our sake and theirs.
I said this yesterday and will say it again, with Holmgren at the helm, this organization is headed in the right direction.
You have stability now at the top. A GM on the same page as the President. And now a coach who will translate that onto the field.
You absolutely cannot look at this hire based soley on Shurmur’s history. It is what it is. Instead you have to look at this hire as an organization that is fitting another piece into the big puzzle.
What remains now is this:
1. Solid Talent Evaluation – Great drafts, wise FA signings, player development. Heckert has on the right path here.
2. Shurmur’s Coaching – Teaching the players a new system (West Coast Offense); Hiring excellent coordinators
3. Execution On The Field
I really like this hire and as ‘unsexy’ as it is to many fans, wouldn’t we all rather be underwhelmed now and overwhelmed come the Fall?
@ Harv – Mangini’s former players (the few who didn’t become Browns) also warned of his worst tendencies as well. Can be a good source of candid assessment amidst all the hype and fanfare we hear in the wake of a hiring
Shurmur, Schermer, gold jacket, green jacket, who gives a sh!t?!
Can I just say – great breakdown. Thank you.
My question is what direction will they go for OC? Will Shurmur be handling most of the offensive duties and the OC will be more of an assistant? Or will they hire someone to specifically run the offense? Looking at the Holmgren coaching tree I think they short list would be Jim Zorn, Mike Sherman (which would cause a lot of tongue twisting), Marty Morningweig (if we gave him more money and bought him out of Philly) and (darkhorse) Steve Mariucci. I’m sure Mariucci would not leave the NFL network to be an OC though.
All I know is this: my Ram-fan coworker is glad he’s gone.
It’s not evidence of anything, but I’m mildly concerned by that.
Humboldt: I don’t remember but curious in retrospect- what did they say? Do remember a Jets fan in NY telling me,”THAT”S who you think is the answer?”
Anyway, a candid assessment is not necessarily an accurate assessment. Players have self-interest and loyalties, and no reason to think their opinions are more accurate than FO guys whio have evaluated coaches for decades. No story about any assistant elevated to HC is printed without requisite player quotes of praise. Just like every year, two days after the draft, the PD quotes a scout or coach reassuring us that our fourth rounder is a “steal” or “sleeper.” These quotes generally foretell nothing. Players have to play, and head coaches have to actually sit in that cockpit before we know how they fly.
I just hope we get to see this guy in action. It would be a real buzzkill if the browns lockout next year.
and by browns i mean the NFL…
@ Harv: “These quotes generally foretell nothing.”
That’s a bit dismissive, don’t you think? All we have to work with in determining an outlook for Shermer are various impressions from Holmgren, the media, colleagues around the league, etc. Hearing from former players would simply add to those impressions, however imperfect or riddled w/ conflict of interest they may be.
With Mangini, I believe most of the quotes were from infamous confidential or unnammed sources that spoke to his worst qualities (ie. martinet style of leadership, obstinate, failure to adapt gameplans, etc). Not worth the time to dig up old links – that era is thankfully finished, and unfortunately all of Mangini’s demons manifested themselves during his tenure in Cle as well
First things first…
If we’re going to harshly criticize the new guy, let’s at least get his name right.
There are two U’s and no E’s in Shurmur.
Now, we just need a nickname. Shurminator is too easy in my opinion.
Wow that was fast I guess Holmgren got his man. You know based on how fast the decision was made Shurmur had to be the #1 choice. I can’t comment on whether this was the right move or not but hopefully the Browns got the right man. I just hope Shurmur can get some solid assistants. Time will tell.
I guess it would have been nice to recognize his name and be familiar with his background. Hope he’s the guy.
@ C-Bus Kev: Mini-mike and shurminator are my top 2 choices.
I would like to know whats goin on with assistants/coordinators. Is Ryan staying or going? How about Seeley? Or is Shurmur going after some of the names like Wannstedt or D. Jauron?
I trust Holmgren. If Mike thinks this is the guy, then I’m all ears..
I say make it more his last name and say Shurmurnator. Or we could call him Bender. The fictional John Bender attended Shermer High School, Shermer, IL. What we call Shurmur doesn’t really matter to me. What I want to see is a metamorphosis of the WCO blending it in with traditional Cleveland Browns “smash mouth” football and call it the NORTH COAST OFFENSE!!!!
I just want the weekly wrap-ups of Browns news to be called the Shurmur Murmurs.
#5=WIN
Okay, let’s get started! We need to institute a new system so let’s get rid of all the 3-4 guys (or is it 4-3? I’m losing track) we just brought in and get some 4-3 (3-4?). We also need to bring in the right chips for the WCO, so let’s seeee… We can get a fourth rounder for Massaquoi, if we’re willing to wait… And we don’t really need a workhorse back, so hopefully we can get a #2 for Hillis, or else move him to fullback. We’re not going to see the wildcat muc anymore, so maybe we can convince Cribbs to renegotiate.
Rebuilding is so much fun!
I don’t get the sense we’ll be rebuilding. There’s not a glut of players on offense that fit one system and not another–in fact, WRT wide receivers, my hope is that the current starters are no higher than #3 on the depth chart by the time the next training camp (whenever that might be) rolls around.
On defense, until we have a firm commitment on who the coordinator is, it’s useless to speculate about personnel. Safe to say, there’s no real major glut of players there that wouldn’t become expendable if better talent–no matter the scheme–comes along. Whether we run a 3-4 or a 4-3, there’s currently NO PASS RUSHERS on this team. Let’s worry about that first.
While I have some misgivings about this hire, I just keep reminding myself that I thought the Green Bay hiring of McCarthy was a colossal mistake at the time, and I thought the Harbaugh hiring in Baltimore was a bit of a head-scratcher. Both have turned up aces in hindsight. It’s all about getting good players now, IMHO.
But, back to my original point: we’re not rebuilding. To rebuild implies that there was some kind of solid structure being torn down. And, in that respect, we shouldn’t kid ourselves.
DP FTW… it’d be a real shame if we could no longer line up Matt Roth and Chris Gocong as defensive ends on pass-rushing downs. I kid, I kid… in all seriousness though, we have 2 solid DT’s that could play either the 3-4 or 4-3 in Rubin and Rogers, so the only position you have to worry about is losing the LB/DE hybrid that you usually have in the 3-4. Well, our best LB/DE hybrid is Marcus Benard, who is average at best as a pure pass rusher and is completely terrible defending in space. If we move from a 3-4 to a 4-3, we might have personnel that fits the 4-3 BETTER than the 3-4. Which is scary considering the Browns have been playing a 3-4 for several years now.
Worried that so few candidates were interviewed for such a “wide net”
Worried at the speed of the hire (no one would take him and Mangini was chosen quickly)
Fine with him being “part of the system/puzzle”
Fine with playing NFC West next year, get him used to being HC without the schedule being a meat-grinder (as much as can be, considering our division)
Hope it all works out. Go Browns.
Please stop with the optimistic “because Tomlin and Harbaugh worked out; so this guy could as well” speeches.
Tomlin and Harbaugh became head coaches of the Steelers and Ravens…two teams packed with talent, not far removed from Super Bowl wins and STELLAR Coordinators in place.
Shurmur is walking into a trusted front office, most likely vacant offensive coordinator spot (which will work in his favor), suspect defensive coordinator and B minus talent (didn’t have the heart to go C+).
I’m not saying he’s doomed by any means. Our house is way more in order than ever before; it’s just going to be a bigger uphill climb than Tomlin or Harbaugh went through.
@Christopher – yeah, but we are no worse off than the Saints were when Sean Payton took over. I’m not saying Shurmur is Payton but it has been before.
But your point is true. The Steelers and Ravens have strong organizations. They make the road that much easier to bring in a younger assistants as HC. Hopefully the Browns can get there too.
@ Mark
You are 100% correct with the Payton reference. That is a prime example of what we need to hope for. City in desperation for a winner, young talented gutsy head coach with no name credential coat tails to ride in on that brings home a winner.
I’m in!
Nothing in this guy’s resume screams to me, “I should be a head coach!”, and that really worries me. You made a lot of nice points about him, but I think this is a real risk. Hopefully he gets more of a fair shake than Mangini did (regardless of what you think of EM, he didn’t get a chance time-wise or talent-wise to prove whether or not he could do the job). I honestly think that this hire and the next 2-3 seasons are going to say a lot more about Holmgren’s ability to build a stable organization, and are not as much about Shurmur. A coach can only do as well as the organization supporting him.