Wednesday 2 November 2016 15:44, UK
The Minnesota Vikings have announced that Norv Turner has resigned as offensive coordinator and will be replaced by Pat Shurmur on an interim basis.
The news comes as a surprise, with the Vikings sitting top of the NFC North with a 5-2 record, despite having had to incorporate a new quarterback on the eve of the season in the shape of Sam Bradford.
However, the Vikings suffered a disappointing defeat on Monday Night, their second in succession, losing 20-10 at division rivals the Chicago Bears and struggling on offence.
And, notwithstanding their overall success, the Vikings are 31st in total yards per game (293.3) and 23rd in points per game (19.9).
Turner, 64, is one of the most experienced coaches in the NFL, having been a coordinator or head coach since 1999, and he has been with the Vikings since Mike Zimmer became head coach in 2014.
His replacement Shurmur knows Bradford well, having worked with him before at St Louis and Philadelphia.
Turner released a statement which read: "I have tremendous respect for Mike Zimmer, our coaching staff and our players, and at this time I think it is in the best interests of the team to step down.
"I thank [owners] the Wilf family for my time here in Minnesota and want to see our players and coaches achieve success."
The Vikings will look to resume winning ways when they host the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
