A journey back to familiar ground
New Raiders interim offensive coordinator Scott Turner has come full circle in Las Vegas, where his football journey began as a quarterback for UNLV under legendary coach John Robinson. Now, 20 years later, Turner is tasked with revitalizing a struggling Raiders offense, just miles from his old campus.
Honoring a mentor’s legacy
Turner opened his first press conference as the Raiders’ offensive coordinator by paying tribute to Robinson, who passed away earlier in the week. Turner credits Robinson’s belief in him during his college years for shaping his path in football and coaching.
Tackling a struggling offense
The Raiders’ offensive woes are glaring, ranking near the bottom of the NFL in yardage, rushing, and scoring. Turner steps into a team that recently made sweeping staff changes, including firing the offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach, and offensive line coach. Despite the challenges, Turner is ready to embrace the opportunity.
Carolina Panthers offensive coordiinator Norv Turner directs the team during practice at the NFL football team’s training camp in Spartanburg. S.C., July 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Lessons from past experience
Turner previously served as an offensive coordinator with Washington, where he navigated a revolving door of quarterbacks over three seasons. Reflecting on those years, Turner emphasized the resilience needed to overcome adversity in the NFL. “You learn from those experiences,” he said. “I’m excited to work with our players and help them perform at their best.”
The road ahead
Turner inherits an offense without a franchise quarterback and a struggling running game, but there are bright spots. Rookie tight end Brock Bowers has shown promise, Jakobi Meyers is a reliable receiver, and individual offensive linemen have delivered strong performances. Turner has eight games to implement his vision and spark improvement.
A personal connection to Las Vegas
Turner’s ties to Las Vegas extend beyond his college days. He maintains close friendships with former UNLV teammates, including Shane Steichen, now the Indianapolis Colts head coach. Both credit Robinson for inspiring their coaching careers and instilling the importance of building meaningful relationships with players.
Carrying forward a legacy
Turner’s approach to coaching mirrors Robinson’s philosophy of care and connection. “He cared about everyone, from walk-ons to top recruits,” Turner said. “That’s what coaching is about—helping players be the best they can be.”
As Turner navigates this new chapter with the Raiders, his return to Las Vegas offers a chance to blend the lessons of his past with the challenges of the present, all while honoring the legacy of his mentor.
