After playing for 18 seasons as a quarterback, a former Detroit Lions quarterback is gaining traction for his rapid growth as an NFL coach. He may soon be in line to lead a team, despite having begun coaching only in 2023.

After interactions with coaches and executives at the NFL Annual League Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic asked who they think will be the next to be a head coach. Minnesota Vikings QB coach and former NFL quarterback Josh McCowan, was a top favorite.

"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 stated.

McCown has played for a wide variety of teams during his NFL career and has also played one season in the UFL. He landed at Detroit in 2006, but couldn't find time to play as quarterback. Interestingly, he was also deployed as a wide receiver during that season. McCown left the franchise after that one year.

After his career ended in 2020, McCown was hired by the Carolina Panthers as quarterbacks Coach. Here, he helped with the development of Bryce Young. While the then-rookie had his fair share of challenges that season, the coach was beginning to catch attention. He was hired by the Vikings in 2024, where his resume has only grown.

Josh McCowan already has head coaching interview experience. In 2021, he controversially interviewed for the open position at the Houston Texans while still being listed as a player for the team. He tried his luck again in 2022. But in 2025, now in full right to compete for such a job, the New York Jets conducted an interview with him.

Thanks to his successes at Minnesota, he now has a great shot at bagging this coveted role in the future.

Why Ex-Lions Star Is Emerging As A Serious Head Coach Candidate

Under Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, McCown was been a big boost in repairing QB Sam Darnold's career. The latter ended up having a career year with 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns in his lone season with the team. Now with the Seattle Seahawks, Darnold registered yet another 4,000+ yard season.

O'Connell said that Josh McCown was on a "a journey toward either being a coordinator or, more than likely, a head coach." 

Josh McCown is heading into his third year as the Vikings’ QB coach and was promoted this year to being the passing game coordinator as well. He is now in charge of leading a young J.J. McCarthy.

Could McCown be the next big NFL head coach?

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Afreen Kabir