Shurmur was subsequently an assistant coach in the National Football League (NFL) with the Detroit Lions (1975–1977), New England Patriots (1978–1981), Los Angeles Rams (1982–1990), Phoenix Cardinals (1991–1993), and Green Bay Packers (1994–1998).
He was the winning defensive coordinator in Super Bowl XXXI, following the 1996 season, and was the uncle of former New York Giants (2018–2019) head coach Pat Shurmur.
Nicknamed "Fritz" as a baby after his grandfather's cocker spaniel,[2] Shurmur grew up in Wyandotte, Michigan, south of Detroit, along with his parents and his brother, Joseph.
Shurmur played center, earned All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) honors, and was named the conference's most valuable player.
He coached for the Detroit Lions, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, Phoenix Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, and Seattle Seahawks.
[2] Shurmur became defensive coordinator for Green Bay in 1994 under head coach Mike Holmgren; in his third season with the team in 1996, the Packers won Super Bowl XXXI over the New England Patriots in January 1997.