One of the fan favorites in recent New York Jets history, quarterback Josh McCown, interviewed for the Houston Texans’ head coaching job, the team tweeted on Thursday.
The Texans job became vacant after the team fired David Culley on January 13 after one season, one in which Houston finished 4-13 and finished in third place in the AFC South.
McCown played for 12 different NFL franchises after entering the league in 2002. Though he was with the Jets for only two seasons, his impact on the team went far beyond that, according to Chris Stephano of The Jet Press.
McCown played in 17 games for the Jets, throwing for 3,465 passing yards, completing 64.5% of his passes and owning a 19-to-13 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He left the Jets after the 2018 season.
He was best known as a Jet for being the bridge quarterback before the arrival of Sam Darnold and for providing veteran presence during Darnold’s rookie season.
Darnold is no longer with the team after being traded to the Carolina Panthers in April 2021.
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An Opportunity of a Lifetime
McCown also interviewed for the Texans’ head coaching job last year. According to Peter Schrager of Fox Sports and NFL Network, the Texans have had McCown on their radar as a potential head coach for a “long” time.
Josh McCown has long been on the Texans’ radar. And yes, as an HC. 18-year veteran, countless locker rooms, and an East Texas HS football legend. The key for him is whether or not he can hire a staff around him. Lovie Smith, still under contract as the DC, coached McCown in NFL.
Respondents to a Twitter poll posted January 17 by Sean Pendergast, a host on SportsRadio 610 AM KILT in Houston and host of the nationally syndicated “The Sean Pendergast Show” on CBS Radio, voted resoundingly against the Texans’ giving McCown a shot at the job. Almost 89% said “no” when asked whether they would approve of a McCown hire. McCown, 42, has no previous coaching experience in the NFL.
Another Path That Will Certainly Be Open
If McCown doesn’t land a head coaching gig this offseason, that doesn’t mean he should stop his pursuit of coaching. Given his years of experience as a starter, backup and mentor, he could be an insightful quarterback coach.
He possesses natural leadership ability and is respected around the league. The Jets thought so highly of him in that regard that they were “keeping tabs on him” for a potential reunion over the last calendar year, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.
McCown was chosen by the Arizona Cardinals as the No. 81 overall pick in the third round of the 2002 NFL draft.
McCown appeared to have endeared himself to each team he played for. He’s known for his relentless work ethic, a great attitude and a charming Southern hospitality.
That same attributes could certainly translate to a future job as a coach. The key for McCown – if he becomes a head coach in the NFL – is surrounding himself with a strong supporting staff. If he is able to do that, the sky is the limit for what he can become.
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Ex-Jets Starting Quarterback Interviews for NFL Head Coaching Gig