It was no surprise Tuesday afternoon when the news broke that the Washington Commanders fired offensive coordinator Scott Turner.
Last week, Turner didn’t sound too confident about his job status, while head coach Ron Rivera didn’t have much to say. Then, on Saturday, a Washington Post report stated up to nine players were upset with Turner’s play-calling, essentially sealing Turner’s fate.
As you might expect, many Washington fans were happy with the news. Some believe many of Washington’s offensive issues don’t fall on Turner. Turner has dealt with eight starting quarterbacks during his three seasons in Washington. Journeyman Taylor Heinicke was the Commanders’ best quarterback during that time and someone who Turner picked up off the street.
Regardless, Rivera will be looking for a new offensive coordinator as he heads into year four of his regime.
Let’s see how Twitter reacted to the Turner news.
Local media
Plenty of legit criticisms for Scott but I think Carson's problems are Carson specific. Same issues for 3 years on 3 teams https://t.co/KkjKDEhdTo
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) January 10, 2023
So, in the wake Turner's ouster and today's Rivera/Mayhew throwback presser, the new OC better be a 'run-first/run a lot' guy. They talked emphatically about their run-heavy 'formula' as if it produced more than it did. I would recommend less than 8 starting QBs in 3 yrs. #HTTC
— Kevin Sheehan (@kevinsheehanDC) January 10, 2023
Rick Snider’s Washington explains why the Washington Commanders fired OC Scott Turner. Gimme two minutes. pic.twitter.com/XOxriXc159
— Rick Snider's Washington (@Snide_Remarks) January 10, 2023
gut tells me that firing coordinators is usually the domain of a dying regime
rearranging the deck chairs kind of deal
When was the last time a team fired a coordinator and the team immediately turned it around? Head coach went on a run?
Im sure its happened a few times …
— Eric Bickel (@EBJunkies) January 10, 2023
Former Washington coach Jay Gruden
Jay Gruden on #GrantAndDanny:
"I don't think Scott Turner had a lot to do with the offensive struggles. I think it was more personnel issues at key positions but that's just me.
Said the QB's played poorly and they weren't good enough on interior OL to hold up when passing.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) January 10, 2023
Fans react
I’d be more shocked by anything than I have in years if Rivera actually hired a young, innovative, offensive coordinator
— PoeticGenius916 (@CMont916) January 10, 2023
I couldn't care less if the philosophy is run-first or 2 passes for every run or whatever you wanna sell the fanbase. Tell me how your offense is gonna average 30 points a game with a defense that can hold teams to 20. That's how you win 14+ games in this league.
— Ron Burgundy & Gold (@RBG_DMC73) January 10, 2023
Turner's offense underperformed. He should have been let go, but until you have a long term answer at QB and you surround him with talent, we'll be clamoring for the next "meatball" to fired. This is on Ron. He didn't put Turner in the best position to succeed.
— Disco (@discoque5) January 10, 2023
More fan reactions
The firing of Scott Turner was necessary, but he was far from the only issue with this staff.
— Eric Sully (@CommandersRealm) January 10, 2023
They way y'all are excited over this Scott Turner firing is comparable to Bruce Allen getting fired lol y'all finally found the QB and OL or am i missing something?
— Stew (@icecoldstew) January 10, 2023
Scott Turner won’t be calling plays for my football team next season pic.twitter.com/bgxIKvEaoW
— 𝕊𝕨𝟛𝟛ℙ (@JahanOROTY) January 10, 2023
Me escorting Scott Turner’s plane down the runway pic.twitter.com/4l0NZ8bkRi
— Not Robert Griffin (@Pseudo_RGIII) January 10, 2023
Even more reactions
Scott Turner is finally gone! pic.twitter.com/Omwd7cxhEI
— Reid🏝 (@reidwinterfb) January 10, 2023
Scott Turner is the scapegoat for Rivera’s overall mediocrity
— RefTheDistrict (@RefTheDistrict) January 10, 2023
Let's just hope and pray Ron can make a good hire now. It'll be miraculous if he pulls it off but we can hope.
— Russell (@RussellDMV) January 10, 2023
Now that Scott Turner is gone, that means Taylor Heinicke is gone IMO.
— Luis Landa (@1570_landa) January 10, 2023