Pat Shurmur: NFL Head Coach Biography

Background and Playing Career
Pat Shurmur was born on April 14, 1965, in Dearborn, Michigan. He played college football at Michigan State University as an offensive lineman, primarily at center and guard. Shurmur was a four-year letterman and earned All-Big Ten Conference honors before graduating with a master's degree in financial administration. Coaching Career Overview
Pat Shurmur's coaching journey began at his alma mater, Michigan State, where he served in various roles, including tight ends, offensive line, and special teams coach from 1988 to
1997. He transitioned to the NFL in 1999, joining the Philadelphia Eagles as their tight ends and offensive line coach under Andy Reid. Shurmur was promoted to quarterbacks coach in 2002, where he played a key role in developing Donovan McNabb into a Pro Bowl quarterback. Key NFL Coaching Positions

• Philadelphia Eagles (1999–2008): Tight Ends/Offensive Line Coach, Quarterbacks Coach
• St. Louis Rams (2009–2010): Offensive Coordinator
• Cleveland Browns (2011–2012): Head Coach (record: 9–23)
• Philadelphia Eagles (2013–2015): Offensive Coordinator, Interim Head Coach (1–0 in 2015 finale)
• Minnesota Vikings (2016–2017): Tight Ends Coach, Interim Offensive Coordinator, then Offensive Coordinator
• New York Giants (2018–2019): Head Coach (record: 9–23)
• Denver Broncos (2020–2021): Offensive Coordinator
• Colorado Buffaloes (2023–present): Offensive Analyst/Co-Offensive Coordinator (College Football, NCAA)

Highlights and Accomplishments

• Helped guide the Minnesota Vikings to the 2017 NFC Championship Game as offensive coordinator, winning the Assistant Coach of the Year award from the Pro Football Writers of America.
• Known for developing quarterbacks such as Donovan McNabb, Sam Bradford, Case Keenum, and Daniel Jones.
• Accumulated an NFL head coaching record of 19–46 (including interim games) across stints with the Browns and Giants.
• Part of several playoff teams as an assistant, especially under Andy Reid in Philadelphia and with the Vikings under Mike Zimmer.

Personal and Family
Pat Shurmur comes from a football family—his uncle, Fritz Shurmur, was a longtime NFL defensive coordinator and Super Bowl champion with the Green Bay Packers. Pat is respected for his professionalism, offensive acumen, and ability to develop young talent at the quarterback position. Current Role
As of 2024, Shurmur is working as the co-offensive coordinator and tight ends coach for the University of Colorado Buffaloes under head coach Deion Sanders, bringing decades of NFL experience to the collegiate level.

Legacy & Career Overview

Pat Shurmur: NFL Head Coach Biography

Pat Shurmur is a respected and experienced figure in the National Football League, known for his extensive coaching pedigree, offensive expertise, and multiple stints as both head coach and offensive coordinator. Born on April 14, 1965, in Dearborn, Michigan, Shurmur was raised in a football family—his uncle, Fritz Shurmur, was a prominent NFL defensive coordinator and Super Bowl-winning coach. This early exposure to the game helped shape Pat’s own path in football, both as a player and a coach.

Early Life and Playing Career

Growing up in Michigan, Shurmur attended Divine Child High School before enrolling at Michigan State University. At Michigan State, he was a four-year letterman (1983–1986) and started at center and guard for the Spartans football team. Recognized for both his athletic and academic performance, he was named team captain and earned All-Big Ten honors. Shurmur graduated with a bachelor’s degree in financial administration and later completed a master’s degree in sports administration, also at Michigan State.

Coaching Career: Early Years

After college, Shurmur immediately transitioned into coaching, beginning as a graduate assistant at Michigan State under George Perles. He then held various coaching positions at his alma mater, working with tight ends, offensive line, and special teams. His ability to develop talent and his sharp football mind quickly became apparent, laying the groundwork for his ascent within the coaching ranks.

NFL Coaching Career

• Philadelphia Eagles (1999–2008): Shurmur broke into the NFL with the Eagles, initially as tight ends and offensive line coach, later becoming quarterbacks coach. During his time in Philadelphia, he worked closely with quarterback Donovan McNabb, helping to develop him into a perennial Pro Bowler and guiding the team to several playoff appearances, including a trip to Super Bowl XXXIX.
• St. Louis Rams (2009–2010): Shurmur moved to the Rams as offensive coordinator, where he was instrumental in the development of rookie quarterback Sam Bradford, who set then-NFL rookie records for completions and attempts.
• Cleveland Browns (2011–2012): Shurmur landed his first head coaching job with the Browns. Although his tenure (9–23 record) was challenging due to roster rebuilding and organizational turnover, he is credited with bringing professionalism and stability to a struggling franchise.
• Philadelphia Eagles (2013–2015): Shurmur returned to the Eagles as offensive coordinator under Chip Kelly. He played a key role in the team’s innovative, fast-paced offense, which broke franchise records and helped the Eagles go 10–6 in two consecutive seasons. Shurmur served as interim head coach for the final game of the 2015 season, leading the team to a victory.
• Minnesota Vikings (2016–2017): Joining the Vikings as tight ends coach and later offensive coordinator, Shurmur revitalized the offense, particularly in 2017, when injuries forced backup Case Keenum into the starting role. Shurmur’s creative play-calling and adaptability helped the Vikings reach the NFC Championship Game, earning him the 2017 NFL Assistant Coach of the Year award.
• New York Giants (2018–2019): Shurmur was hired as head coach, tasked with rebuilding the storied franchise. While his record (9–23) mirrored his Browns tenure, Shurmur played a significant role in the early development of quarterback Daniel Jones and helped running back Saquon Barkley to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in
  2018.
• Denver Broncos (2020–2021): Shurmur served as offensive coordinator, working with a young roster and helping to develop quarterback Drew Lock.
• Colorado Buffaloes (2023): Shurmur joined the University of Colorado Buffaloes as an offensive analyst and later as co-offensive coordinator, working with head coach Deion Sanders in the college ranks.

Coaching Philosophy and Legacy

Pat Shurmur is known for his calm demeanor, attention to detail, and quarterback-friendly offensive schemes. He has been instrumental in developing several young quarterbacks throughout his career, including Donovan McNabb, Sam Bradford, Nick Foles, Case Keenum, and Daniel Jones. While his head coaching record (19–46) may not reflect the full breadth of his knowledge and influence, he is widely respected in NFL circles for his intelligence, adaptability, and ability to get the most out of his players.

Personal Life and Notable Facts

• Pat Shurmur is married to Jennifer and has four children, including his son Kyle Shurmur, who played quarterback at Vanderbilt and spent time in the NFL.
• He is the nephew of Fritz Shurmur, former Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator and Super Bowl XXXI champion.
• Shurmur has a reputation for mentoring young coaches and players, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in football.

Conclusion

Pat Shurmur’s long and winding journey through the ranks of football, from collegiate standout to seasoned NFL coach, is a testament to his dedication, football acumen, and resilience. While his head coaching tenures have been marked by challenging circumstances, his legacy as a teacher, innovator, and offensive mind is secure. With decades of experience and a deep passion for the game, Pat Shurmur continues to impact the sport at both the professional and collegiate levels.