Here's why Josh McCown won't come to the Patriots as an offensive coordinator
Josh McCown worked with Drake Maye in high school, but he reportedly won't be lured to New England to be an offensive coordinator.
Patriots
Josh McCown isn't planning on leaving the Minnesota Vikings for anything less than a head coaching job. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
By Colin McCarthy
January 17, 2025
2 minutes to read
The Patriots and Mike Vrabel are in the early stages of hiring assistants and addressing the coaching staff, but thereâs already one prominent name that reportedly wonât be interested in New Englandâs offensive coordinator job.
Josh McCown, the current quarterbacks coach for the Minnesota Vikings, is becoming a popular name in NFL circles and is generating legitimate head coaching interest from teams with vacancies in this hiring cycle.
McCownâs name naturally has also been thrown as a potential offensive coordinator, given his status as a well-respected former quarterback and offensive mind. If McCown isnât offered a head coaching gig, a coordinator job would be a logical step up from his role as a QB coach.
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However, if the Patriots were interested in bringing in the former journeyman QB, theyâll have to turn their attention elsewhere. According to ESPNâs Adam Schefter, McCown has no intentions of leaving the Vikings for anything less than a head coaching gig.
âThe next most important hire that the Patriots make will be who are they hiring to influence, mold, and shape the future of their franchise quarterback. Itâs a critical hire,â Schefter said on âThe Pat McAfee Show.â âJosh McCown is going to be in Minnesota next year unless he gets a head coaching job.â
McCown had ties to Drake Maye in high school, which helped guide speculation toward that option for the OC role, but Schefter was quick to shoot down that thought.
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As for another potential favorite to land New Englandâs offensive coordinator job, Schefter noted that Josh McDaniels is a strong contender, but added that he is certainly not a lock for the job.
âWeâve heard the name Josh McDaniels. I think that name makes an awful lot of sense. It would be logical, heâs in the Foxborough area,â Schefter said. âBut I think Mike Vrabel has got to hear from a lot of different people and make sure that he feels like heâs doing the right thing before he goes and hires whoever he does.â
While McCown is not an option, New Englandâs coordinator search is well underway. Ian Rapoport reported that the Patriots interviewed current Bears interim coach Thomas Brown for their OC role on Wednesday, so clearly Vrabel is keeping his options open as it pertains to his offensive signal-caller.
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