The Houston Texans are the only remaining head coaching vacancy in 2021, and the latest buzz out of the Lone Star State suggests the organization could be going in a bold direction by hiring Josh McCown for the position.
McCown spend the 2020 season as an active quarterback for the Texans, but the veteran signal-caller could be trading his shoulder pads in for a coach’s headset soon eough.
Texans rumors: Josh McCown a real contender for Houston HC job
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo explained how McCown has surprisingly worked his way into contention for the lead gig in Houston:
Well, based on Garafolo’s reporting and the fact that the Texans interviewed a two-time NFL head coach in Jim Caldwell, it seems like there’s a growing sense that McCown could, actually, pull this off.
It’s worth breaking down why McCown is a strong fit for this particular opportunity as opposed to, say, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who’s still waiting for his first head coaching shot despite years of quality work.
Texans rumors: The merits of Josh McCown as a head coach
Even before Friday’s news broke, McCown was being whispered about as a potential dark-horse head coaching candidate.
So, why is McCown a good fit for Houston in particular? Well, in case you’re a very casual NFL fan or have been sheltering yourself from the sports world recently, it’s become rather obvious the Texans’ vacancy isn’t a coveted one.
Maybe this is precisely what Houston needs. Deshaun Watson is very unhappy with the current state of Texans affairs, and could be on the way out. If the organization wants any hope of retaining Watson instead of reluctantly trading him, it could do worse than hiring a head coach who was just teammates with Watson this past season.
Having played for 12 different NFL teams throughout his nomadic career, McCown knows the difference between what a winning culture looks like, and what a losing one is. He’s been widely regarded as the classic “coach on the field” as he’s mentored younger signal-callers toward the end of his career. All of them, including the New York Jets’ Sam Darnold, have spoken highly of McCown’s ability to lead and how he’s helped them prepare.
Is it a coincidence, by the way, that McCown and Darnold have a relationship, and that the Jets could easily offer one of the most attractive trade packages for Watson? Just an angle to think about as McCown’s viability as a candidate gains traction.
McCown has dealt with plenty of adversity throughout his time in pro football. The 41-year-old had to fight constantly to keep his career going, and there’s something to be said for that. He’s been respected by all accounts in every one of his previous stops.
This feels like an unprecedented situation: A player who goes straight into being an NFL head coach.
However, it’s telling that there are numerous insiders who cover the league and don’t think this is as drastic a move as it appears from the outside.