The Minnesota Vikings' coaching staff is quietly developing one of the NFL's most intriguing rising stars, and it's not a player on the field. Quarterbacks coach Josh McCown, a familiar name from his 18-year journeyman playing career, is rapidly becoming a hot name in future head coaching conversations, with some projections pointing to the 2027 cycle.
McCown's ascent is a classic player-to-coach success story in the making. After a brief stint with the Carolina Panthers in 2023, he landed in Minnesota in 2024, a move that coincided perfectly with the Vikings' quarterback overhaul, bringing in Sam Darnold and drafting J.J. McCarthy. His impact was immediate, credited with helping extract the best version of Darnold last season.
That success hasn't gone unnoticed. McCown was recently highlighted by The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue as one of seven up-and-coming coaches poised for a head coaching role. Rodrigue noted that a prominent NFC coach observed McCown taking on significantly more responsibility within the Vikings' offense over the past two seasons, a clear sign of his growing influence.
The Vikings have officially recognized his value. This offseason, head coach Kevin O'Connell promoted McCown to offensive passing game coordinator while he retains his quarterbacks coach duties. This dual role is a critical stepping stone, giving him broader offensive oversight and play-calling adjacent experience—key resume builders for any aspiring head coach.
McCown's path hasn't been without its early headlines. His direct interview for the Houston Texans' head coaching job in 2021, before holding any official NFL coaching role, raised eyebrows. However, he has since embraced the traditional grind, and his work in Minnesota is validating the belief many had in his football IQ and leadership.
For Vikings fans and followers of the NFL coaching carousel, McCown represents a fascinating development. His primary task remains unlocking the potential of Minnesota's quarterback room, but his own career trajectory is now one of the most compelling subplots to watch on the sidelines. If his rise continues at this pace, the Vikings may need to prepare for life without their promising young coach sooner than later.