Why did Norv Turner resign as Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator?

Norv Turner decided to resign his post as Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator on Wednesday, but why did he make that decision?

The Minnesota Vikings are hitting a rough patch in an otherwise pretty great season. They started the year on a somber note, losing both Teddy Bridgewater and Adrian Peterson, yet somehow won their first five-games. But things have taken a turn for the worse, as Minnesota as lost two straight and their offense is one of the worst in football.

While there was no doubt frustration after the Vikings lost on Monday night to a very bad Chicago Bears team, no one expected what happened on Wednesday. According to an ESPN report, offensive coordinator Norv Turner resigned, a move that only adds more pressure on the Vikings offense to succeed in the coming weeks.

The immediate reaction to the news was that of shock. While the Vikings field the second-worst offense in the NFL, Turner’s leash didn’t seem to be short at all. That’s not to say it wouldn’t have tightened up if these woes continued, but to have him resign at a moments notice like he did is jarring.

Mike Zimmer made it no secret that he wasn’t pleased with the way the offense was playing, and this isn’t a new problem. Going back to last season, the Vikings vaunted defense is what kept them in an NFC Wild card bout they almost won against the Seahawks. That’s a theme that has carried over into this season, as Zimmer’s defense is getting all of the credit for carrying an offense ravaged by injuries and suspect consistency.

It hasn’t been confirmed why Turner stepped down outside of the coach saying it’s in his best interest. That sounds pretty contentious but at this point the Vikings can’t get bogged down in why Turner quit and need to focus on not doing the same themselves.