The New York Giants are expected to land Pat Shurmur after an extended search for their next head coach, according to Ian Rapoport.
On Sunday, Shurmur exclaimed in disbelieving celebration, watching Case Keenum hit Stefon Diggs for a game-winning 61-yard touchdown as time expired in a Minnesota Vikings win over the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Divisional round.
Less than 24 hours later, Shurmur has more reason to smile. The 52-year-old offensive coordinator appears to be locked down as the next head coach of the New York Giants, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL media. Shurmur has been an NFL head coach before, serving two seasons with the Cleveland Browns prior to his ousting.
BREAKING: Pat Shurmur expected to be next head coach of Giants, @RapSheet reportshttps://t.co/DwNpMxgdIl pic.twitter.com/dI2Dl7ZZMR
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) January 15, 2018
There has been ample speculation around who the Giants would hire after suffering through a dismal 3-13 season under head coach Ben McAdoo. New York interviewed a series of candidates including Josh McDaniels and Matt Patricia of the New England Patriots, but ultimately settled on Shurmur.
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Shurmur coached with the Philadelphia Eagles under Andy Reid from 1999-2008 before moving onto the St. Louis Rams for two seasons as their offensive coordinator. In 2011, Shurmur was named the Browns head coach where he compiled a 10-23 record. However, adjusted for the Browns level of incompetence, that mark rivals the likes of Don Shula and George Halas.
Following that stint, Shurmur went back to Philadelphia to work as the offensive coordinator for three seasons before landing in Minnesota. The Vikings are in the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 2009 thanks to his ability to get the best from Case Keenum and a cast of unheralded weapons.