Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

Jerry Burns
Offensive Coordinator/Head Coach
Minnesota Vikings (1968-1991)
During his years as an offensive coordinator (1968-1985) and head coach (1986-1991) his teams walked away with a .686 overall win percentage.
Hired by Bud Grant, a PFHOF coach, but who famously hired good people and played a hands-off role. In other words, this was Jerry Burns's offense for 24 years. He was one of a handful of coaches with the foresight to use running backs as primary receivers.

The arms he had to work with were Joe Kapp, Gary Cuozzo, Fran Tarkenton, Tommy Kramer, Steve Dils, Wade Wilson, and Rich Gannon.

The legs he had to work with were Bill Brown, Dave Osborn, Clint Jones, Oscar Reed, Chuck Foreman, Rickey Young, Ted Brown, Darrin Nelson, Alfred Anderson, and Herschel Walker.

The hands he had to work with were Gene Washington, Bob Grim, John Gilliam, Jim Lash, Sammy White, Ahmad Rashad, Joe Senser, Darrin Nelson, Leo Lewis, Anthony Carter, and Steve Jordan.

RyanChristiansen wrote:The legs he had to work with were Alfred Anderson

...and Alfred Anderson's shoe.

Bryan wrote:

RyanChristiansen wrote:The legs he had to work with were Alfred Anderson

...and Alfred Anderson's shoe.

LOL. Yeah, he should get extra credit for his mouth. Here's a good writeup on Burnsy's rant:

https://deadspin.com/lets-remember-the- ... 1830243764

Burns could coach and he was smart enough to let Tarkenton run the show on the field but with Schnelker later on, you wonder why the team didnt run the ball more and better, especially once they got Walker ? They could be awfully greedy with the pass but its understandable with Anthony Carter, Steve Jordan and other receivers. Getting Cris Carter was a major move but you have to wonder if Burns regrets or played a hand in letting players like Kapp, Washington, and Gilliam leaving ?
Though injuries might have caught up to Washington. I know older Vikings fans that are still upset that the team let go of Paul Flatley, the year I was born !