Former Washington offensive coordinator Scott Turner has spent some of his time this offseason speaking on his experiences in the NFL. Turner had brief stints as an interim offensive coordinator during his time with the Carolina Panthers and Las Vegas Raiders, but he spent three years in Washington as a full-time coordinator. Becoming an NFL coordinator is an opportunity that, if you let Turner describe it, every coach works and prepares to have. History always repeats itself in some fashion.
On the
latest Trap or Dive Podcast, Scott Turner joined the show and shared the mindset of a tenured NFL offensive coach. David Blough, Washington’s current offensive coordinator, shares similar circumstances with Turner. While not all the same, as Turner had some OC experience in Carolina, and his father, Norv Turner, is one of the more prestigious offensive minds in the NFL, they both got their first opportunity in Washington. Scott Turner discussed how he prepared for his opportunity, the challenges he faced as Washington’s offensive coordinator, and how they relate to what David Blough, who’s never called plays, could ultimately be going through.
“I’m sure he’s learned a lot from the different coaches he’s been around, whether as a player or as an assistant coach,” Turner stated about how Blough likely initially began the groundwork as OC, leaning on his relationships and asking a lot of questions. Turner, though, also had his father, Norv, in his corner, and he stated how fortunate he was to have a prestigious coach like that. Turner was heavily involved in game planning, both with Norv (NFL OC from 1991-2016; 2018-2019) and with other coaches from his past. Scott Turner took a lot of notes, both physically and mentally, of things he’d want to incorporate (or not) when his time came.
As an offensive coordinator, the two most important things Turner valued were being thorough and efficient with his time (in practice and meetings). “The thing that I always did and I tried to improve on every year, and I still think you fall short of it, is focusing on what’s important. You only have so much time with these players, especially in the offseason, and you have these grand ideas. Then, all of a sudden, you’re done, the meeting is over, and you don’t even get through half of the stuff.” Turner emphasized that being efficient with your time and focus on what’s important wins games. “A lot of that is situational, whether it’s third down or the redzone, or two-minute clock management — making players aware.”
Practicing situational football was something Turner clearly knew, but he acknowledged that he did not thoroughly expose his players to it in Washington. It became a realization when he had the opportunity to work for former Las Vegas Head Coach Josh McDaniels, a protégé of Patriots’ great Bill Belichick.
At the end of the day, though, Scott Turner made it clear from the beginning that how effective Blough is in his preparation and time management will take him a long way as he continues in his new role with the Washington Commanders.
You can find the full Trap or Dive episode with Scott Turner below. We also discussed:
- Importance of relationship building as a HC
- Pros and Cons of Under Center v. Shotgun/Pistol; evolution of offenses
- What position group(s) is most essential for success in a Brian Flores/Daronte Jones system
- Scott Turner’s prototype “X” wide receiver
- Importance for coordinators adapting to the QB
- Defensive-minded Head Coach’s influences on offensive coordinators
Podcast:
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