Young Vikings Coach Pops Up as Future HC Candidate

Geoff Burke

Two years ago, the Minnesota Vikings hired a new quarterbacks coach named Josh McCown, who most fans knew all about from his playing days as a quarterback. And by the 2026 offseason, some are projecting McCown as one of the next big things in the coaching carousel, possibly in 2027.

Minnesota’s young assistant is climbing fast in coaching circles.

McCown helped to extract the best out of Sam Darnold two years ago, and a promotion may await him before too long.

Kevin O’Connell’s Staff May Have Another Fast-Rising Name

A nifty list for McCown.

Nov 9, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterbacks coach Josh McCown watches from the sideline during a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, observing offensive adjustments and player execution as part of his coaching duties during the 2023 regular season matchup in a tough road environment. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports.

McCown Earns Placement on The Athletic’s Rising Coaches List

Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic identified seven up-and-coming coaches who could take the HC plunge soon, and McCown was among them.

She explained, “Josh McCown, quarterbacks coach of the Minnesota Vikings: A prominent NFC coach said it was clear over the past two seasons that the former quarterback McCown is taking on more responsibility within the Vikings’ offense.”

Rodrigue added, “When I talked to coaches, executives and other league personnel throughout the meetings, I also wanted to know who they believed was a coach on the rise who perhaps was not getting enough recognition.”

The Resume

McCown stopped by the Carolina Panthers in 2023, briefly helping to get the Bryce Young era off the ground before the whole coaching staff was replaced. Before that, McCown somewhat controversially interviewed for the vacant Houston Texans‘ head coaching job in 2021, criticized by some for thinking he could sprint to the top of the ladder as a head coach before any stops in the NFL as a coordinator. The Texans ultimately did not hire McCown, and he began the usual journey for a player-turned-coach.

After the Frank Reich-led Panthers staff disbanded, McCown landed in Minnesota in 2024, directly coinciding with the free-agent signing of Darnold and draft selection of J.J. McCarthy.

This offseason, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell promoted McCown to offensive passing game coordinator while retaining the quarterbacks coach title.

As a player, McCown bounced all over the place:

• Arizona Cardinals (2002–2005)
• Detroit Lions (2006)
• Oakland Raiders (2007)
• Miami Dolphins (2008)
• Carolina Panthers (2008–2009)
• San Francisco 49ers (2011)
• Chicago Bears (2011–2013)
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2014)
• Cleveland Browns (2015–2016)
• New York Jets (2017–2018)
• Philadelphia Eagles (2019–2020)
• Houston Texans (2020)

Work with MIN QBs

McCown’s first order of business in the Twin Cities? Fix Darnold. The Vikings added Darnold during the 2024 offseason as a down-on-his-luck draft bust who needed a chance to reclaim his career. With the tutelage of McCown and O’Connell, the plan emphatically worked for 16 games.

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks coach Josh McCown stands on the sideline during an NFC wild card game against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium, monitoring quarterback play and game flow in a high-stakes postseason setting as Minnesota pushes for a playoff run. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

Darnold delivered 4,319 passing yards for the Vikings in 2024, along with 36 total touchdowns before faceplanting in the two most important games of the season. Minnesota infamously did not retain Darnold the following offseason, and he won a Super Bowl immediately after leaving Minnesota for the Seattle Seahawks in 2025.

McCown and O’Connell pivoted to the aforementioned McCarthy, who experiences ups and downs as a first-year starter in 20205. McCarthy also battled an array of injuries after showing no signs of injury in high school or college.

For now, it appears that McCown and O’Connell can squeeze the best out of veteran quarterbacks, but struggle with youngsters like McCarthy and teammate Max Brosmer.

SI.com‘s Jonathan Harrison noted on McCown last month, “McCown has experience working with young quarterbacks, helping develop Bryce Young during his rookie season, and could be a vital voice in helping turn around J.J. McCarthy, if that’s what the team ends up doing. If Minnesota ends up landing a veteran — say Kyler Murray — then McCown can help transition that veteran into the Vikings’ offense.”

“In his first season with Minnesota, McCown worked with Sam Darnold en route to a 14-win season. McCown is a highly respected coach, already earning head coaching interviews in the past after his 16-year NFL career. He played for nine NFL teams over the course of his career, passing for 17,731 yards, 98 touchdowns, and 82 interceptions.”

Likely Openings?

A preliminary look at the NFL’s landscape reveals these destinations as possible employers for McCown if he interviews for head coaching jobs next offseason:

• Carolina Panthers
• Cincinnati Bengals
• Indianapolis Colts
• New York Jets
• Philadelphia Eagles
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Washington Commanders

Oct 27, 2019; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Josh McCown (18) warms up prior to kickoff against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field, going through pregame routines and preparing for action as a veteran presence during the 2019 NFL season in a cold-weather road setting. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports.

As a player, McCown spent time with the Panthers, Jets, and Buccaneers, suggesting a built-in connection if Rodrigue has his stock judged accurately.

McCown will turn 47 this summer. Theoretically, if the Vikings moved on from O’Connell in the near future, he could throw his hat in the ring for the head coaching job in Minnesota, too.