Josh McCown and New HC Candidates Predicted by Anonymous NFL Coaches and Execs

Six out of the 10 head coaches hired in the NFL this offseason are first-timers, and it sounds like that trend will continue to grow over the next few years.

The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue spoke to coaches, executives and other league personnel throughout the annual meeting in Phoenix last week and asked who they predict to be next in line as an up-and-coming head coaching candidate. Rodrigue received a slew of names, with former NFL quarterback and Minnesota Vikings staff member Josh McCown leading the way.

• Josh McCown, quarterbacks coach of the Minnesota Vikings
• Matt Burke, defensive coordinator of the Houston Texans
• Aden Durde, defensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks
• Greg Williams, inside linebackers coach of the Los Angeles Rams
• Kelvin Sheppard, defensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions
• Declan Doyle, offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens
• Karl Scott, defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks
• Zach Strief, run game coordinator/assistant head coach of the Denver Broncos

Another interesting name on Rodrigue's list was Declan Doyle, who is taking over as the offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens under first-time head coach Jesse Minter. According to Rodrigue, "A few NFL people mentioned they were extremely curious to see what Doyle does with Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson."

McCown has spent the last two seasons as Minnesota's quarterbacks coach under head coach Kevin O'Connell. He was also given the title of offensive passing game coordinator ahead of the 2026 campaign.

"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 had a hand in shaping quarterback Sam Darnold's first career Pro Bowl season with the Vikings in 2024. He will also help lead the development of third-year signal-caller J.J. McCarthy, who has some extra competition in the quarterback room following the offseason addition of dual-threat veteran Kyler Murray.