Norv Turner - NFL Head Coach Biography

Background and Early Life
Norv Turner was born on May 17, 1952, in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He played college football as a quarterback at the University of Oregon from 1972 to 1974 but did not play in the NFL. Instead, he quickly transitioned into coaching, where he made his mark. Coaching Career Highlights
Norv Turner's coaching career spans several decades and includes both college and professional football. He began as a graduate assistant at Oregon before moving through the ranks:

• College Coaching: Served as an assistant coach at Oregon, USC, and UCLA during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
• Early NFL Experience: Joined the Los Angeles Rams as a wide receivers coach (1985), then became the offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys (1991-1993), where he was instrumental in their Super Bowl XXVII and XXVIII victories.
• Head Coaching Tenure:
  • Washington Redskins (1994–2000): First NFL head coaching job, compiling a 49–59–1 record over seven seasons.
  • Oakland Raiders (2004–2005): Head coach for two seasons.
  • San Diego Chargers (2007–2012): Best head coaching years, leading the Chargers to three consecutive AFC West titles (2007–2009) and an AFC Championship Game appearance (2007). Compiled a 59–43 record in San Diego.
• Offensive Coordinator Roles: After his head coaching stints, Turner served as offensive coordinator for several NFL teams, including the Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings, and Carolina Panthers.

Coaching Style and Legacy
Turner is widely respected as an offensive strategist, particularly noted for his work with quarterbacks and his role in developing potent passing attacks. He played a pivotal role in the development of Troy Aikman and Philip Rivers, among others. Career Accomplishments

• Two-time Super Bowl Champion (XXVII, XXVIII) as Dallas Cowboys Offensive Coordinator
• Three AFC West Division Titles with the Chargers
• Over 200 games coached as an NFL head coach

Personal Life
Norv Turner's son, Scott Turner, has also followed in his footsteps as an NFL coach. Norv Turner remains well-regarded for his football intellect and is considered one of the premier offensive minds of his era.

Legacy & Career Overview

Norv Turner: A Comprehensive Biography

Background and Early Life
Norval Eugene Turner, better known as Norv Turner, was born on May 17, 1952, in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Raised in a military family, Turner grew up with a strong sense of discipline and work ethic. He attended Alhambra High School in California, where he excelled as a quarterback, establishing himself early as a football mind with a knack for offensive strategy. Playing Career
After high school, Turner played college football at the University of Oregon from 1972 to
1974. He was a backup quarterback for the Ducks, never gaining national attention as a player, but his intelligence and understanding of the game set the stage for a long and successful coaching career. Early Coaching Career
Turner's coaching career began at the collegiate level, first as a graduate assistant at Oregon in
1975. He quickly moved on to positions at USC, where he coached wide receivers, then quarterbacks, and eventually became the Trojans’ offensive coordinator. His work with future NFL quarterbacks and wide receivers at USC helped solidify his reputation as an innovative offensive mind. Entry into the NFL
Norv Turner’s first NFL job was with the Los Angeles Rams in 1985 as a wide receivers coach under John Robinson, who had been his boss at USC. In 1991, Turner landed the offensive coordinator position with the Dallas Cowboys, a pivotal moment in his career. He was instrumental in developing the Hall of Fame trio of Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin. Under Turner’s guidance, the Cowboys' offense flourished, leading to back-to-back Super Bowl victories in Super Bowl XXVII and XXVIII (1992 and 1993 seasons). Head Coaching Career

• Washington Redskins (1994–2000): Turner got his first head coaching job with the Washington Redskins. Though his seven-year tenure saw only one playoff appearance (1999), Turner was credited with developing young talent and helping to modernize the Redskins’ offense. He finished with a record of 49–59–1.
• Oakland Raiders (2004–2005): After various coordinator roles, Turner was hired to lead the Raiders. His time in Oakland was challenging, resulting in a 9–23 record over two seasons, as the team struggled to rebuild after their Super Bowl run in 2002.
• San Diego Chargers (2007–2012): Turner’s most successful head coaching stint came with the Chargers. He inherited a talented roster and led the team to three consecutive AFC West titles (2007–2009). In his first season, he reached the AFC Championship Game, the team’s deepest playoff run since
  1994. Turner finished with a 59–43 regular season record in San Diego, making the playoffs three times.

Coordinator and Assistant Roles
Outside of head coaching, Turner is revered as one of the NFL’s most influential offensive coordinators. He held OC roles with several teams, including:

• Dallas Cowboys (1991–1993): Architect of two Super Bowl-winning offenses.
• San Francisco 49ers (1992): Quarterbacks coach under Mike Nolan.
• Miami Dolphins (2002–2003): Offensive coordinator.
• San Diego Chargers (2013): Served briefly as OC after his head coaching tenure.
• Minnesota Vikings (2014–2016): Offensive coordinator, helping develop Teddy Bridgewater and revamping the team’s passing game.
• Carolina Panthers (2018–2019): As OC, he helped Cam Newton regain his Pro Bowl form and orchestrated one of the league’s most dynamic rushing attacks.

Coaching Style and Legacy
Norv Turner is widely respected for his offensive acumen, particularly his ability to design and call passing plays that maximize his quarterbacks’ abilities. His offensive schemes, rooted in the Air Coryell system, emphasize vertical passing and creative use of running backs and tight ends. While his head coaching record (114–122–1) is modest, few coaches have had a greater impact as a coordinator. Relevant Facts and Accomplishments

• Super Bowl Titles: 2 (as offensive coordinator, Dallas Cowboys)
• AFC West Division Titles: 3 (San Diego Chargers)
• Playoff Appearances: 4 (1 with Redskins, 3 with Chargers)
• Known for Developing: Troy Aikman, Philip Rivers, Teddy Bridgewater, Cam Newton
• Family: His son, Scott Turner, is also an NFL coach and has served as an offensive coordinator.

Conclusion
Norv Turner’s NFL legacy is defined less by his head coaching record and more by his immense influence on the modern passing game. He mentored countless players and coaches, left his mark on numerous franchises, and remains highly regarded as one of the best offensive minds in league history. Whether as a head coach, offensive coordinator, or quarterback guru, Turner’s name is synonymous with offensive innovation and professional longevity in the NFL.