Josh McCown headlines dark horse 2021 head coach candidates

Although he’s never been a consistent starter, McCown has a wealth of knowledge. The lack of continuity in his career that created so much upheaval in his livelihood is actually, in retrospect, what makes him so cut out to be a coach.

Having to adjust so many times to new offensive systems, different locker rooms, all kinds of personalities, and winning and losing cultures makes McCown a true one of one among coaching candidates.

The obvious caveats are McCown is still an active player and has only coached at the high school level. That said, he’s widely respected around the NFL and has helped mentor young quarterbacks throughout his career, including with flamed-out Johnny Manziel in Cleveland — who showed significant growth in Year 2 before off-field issues derailed him — and Sam Darnold for the New York Jets. Darnold and McCown built a close relationship during the 2018 campaign, the former’s rookie year.

Having a head coach who’s played the most important position on the field and has proved his ability to help signal-callers grow in their roles is invaluable for teams who have youthful talent at that spot. Search committees may see that special quality in McCown and at least give him a shot at an interview.

Realistically, McCown is bound to be a year or two away from making this leap, yet it speaks volumes about his upside and future on the sidelines that he’s being bandied about this early.