Norv Turner: Getting to know the Panthers newest coach
Who exactly is Norv Turner? Get to know the Carolina Panthers newest coach…
Let’s begin with the things we know about new Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator, Norv Turner. He randomly resigned from the same position with the Minnesota Vikings during Week 7 two years ago when the team began with a 5-2 record. He’s developed quarterback Philip Rivers into a regular season juggernaut despite very little success in the postseason. He’s a veteran of his craft and now, the new offensive coordinator for Cam Newton and the Panthers.
Turner first became an offensive coordinator in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys during the 1991 season. He inherited an offense with only one Pro Bowl member, running back Emmitt Smith and a third year quarterback, Troy Aikman. The now legendary quarterback entered that particular season with a 7-19 career record. Fast forward three years later and the Cowboys offense, which kept their core group of contributors together, had eight players nominated to the Pro Bowl and won two Super Bowls.
| YR | TM | PASS YDS | TD | INT | RUSH YDS | TD | LG RANK PF | LG RANK YDS |
| 1991 | DAL | 3390(8) | 12 | 12 | 1711(13) | 15 | 7 | 9 |
| 1992 | DAL | 3485(5) | 23 | 15 | 2121(5) | 20 | 2 | 4 |
| 1993 | DAL | 3454(7) | 18 | 6 | 2161(2) | 20 | 2 | 4 |
| 2001 | SDG | 3505(11) | 16 | 18 | 1504(7) | 10 | 14 | 11 |
| 2002 | MIA | 2890(26) | 18 | 15 | 1554(2) | 24 | 12 | 15 |
| 2003 | MIA | 3335(26) | 17 | 19 | 1817(17) | 14 | 17 | 24 |
| 2006 | SFO | 2685(16) | 16 | 16 | 2172(6) | 6 | 24 | 26 |
| 2013 | CLE | 4040(11) | 26 | 20 | 1383(27) | 4 | 27 | 18 |
| 2014 | MIN | 3244(28) | 17 | 18 | 1804(14) | 12 | 20 | 27 |
| 2015 | MIN | 2928(31) | 14 | 9 | 2211(4) | 18 | 16 | 29 |
After a brief stint as coach for the Washington Redskins, Turner landed in San Diego. In 2001, the Chargers improved from the 26th ranked offense to the 11th with the help of his play calling and two sensational rookies, Drew Brees and LaDainian Tomlinson. Turner then moved to Miami and called plays for an offense with only one recognizable name, running back Ricky Williams and gets promoted for the second time.
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His next coordinator job comes in 2006 where he went on to help develop Alex Smith, Frank Gore, and Vernon Davis while making improvements on the leagues worst offense from the previous year and landing his third coaching job.
His final three years as a coordinator happened in Cleveland and Minnesota.
While disappointing that he hasn’t led a top-15 offense since calling plays for Miami in 2002, he hasn’t called plays for talent remotely close to what the Panthers are going to offer him. Provided they add another high caliber receiver into the mix.
Carolina already has an NFL MVP quarterback, Pro Bowl tight end, Pro Bowl linemen and a dynamic running back but which coordinator are the Panthers getting? The Super Bowl winner or only a slight improvement Mike Shula, who Turner replaces.
Next: 2018 Preview - Away Games
In fact, this isn’t the first time Turner has taken over for a Shula. When he inherited play calling in Dallas it succeeded David Shula, Mike’s brother. Let’s all hope this year brings Turner his third Super Bowl ring and the Carolina’s their first Lombardi trophy!