When the Houston Texans coaching search began, former NFL quarterback Josh McCown seemingly emerged as the favorite to replace David Culley. Despite lacking coaching experience, the Texans’ organization seemed extremely high on the 42-year-old and willing to take a shot on him for head coach.
Houston’s interest in McCown drew intense media scrutiny. While there is a belief that the former quarterback, who played for 12 NFL teams from 2002-’20, is a great leader and has a bright mind for the game, he’s never coached. Since ending his playing career, McCown has only served as a volunteer assistant for a high school football team.
But Texans’ executive Jack Easterby is very high on McCown, with a bond that has grown in recent years. Easterby and McCown held a close relationship since 2020, leading to the first interview for the Texans’ coaching vacancy. After firing Culley, the former NFL quarterback came in for another interview and wanted the job. Furthermore, per the Houston Chronicle, he shared a bond with Easterby.
“McCown impressed many in the organization and bonded with Easterby over religion. Like Easterby, McCown believes in faith, family and football.”
John McClain on Houston Texans’ meetings with Josh McCown, via Houston Chronicle
But just as there seemed to be growing buzz around McCown, the winds in Houston have shifted. The Texans are meeting with defensive coordinator Lovie Smith on Monday and there is a strong possibility he emerges as the favorite for the coaching vacancy.
According to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network, the Texans will not be hiring McCown as their next head coach. While he made another strong impression in the interview and received significant consideration, Houston changed course and never offered him the job.
One potentially important layer to this development is the lack of interest in McCown across the league. Mike Florio reported on Jan. 21 that the Texans wanted another NFL team to interview McCown. If that happened, it would have provided at least some legitimacy to Houston’s interest and provided the proof that they aren’t alone in their evaluation of McCown.
But the interviews never came, not for head coach or even a vacancy at offensive coordinator. As for the Texans’ offensive play-caller in 2021, that also won’t be McCown if Lovie Smith gets to pick his coaching staff.
