EAGAN, Minn. — This is Josh McCown, the positive, hat-wearing, gum-chewing quarterbacks coach for the Minnesota Vikings. After another preseason practice, the 45-year-old former NFL quarterback is outside the TCO Performance Center, playing trivia in the heat.
Can you name all 14 of your former offensive coordinators?
“Sounds like you might be missing a few,” he chuckles.
Did I miscount?
“Let’s review,” he says. “Let’s see.”
“Rich Olson. Jerry Sullivan. Alex Wood. Keith Rowen. Mike Martz. Greg Knapp. Jeff Davidson. Mike Tice.”
I didn’t have that one.
“He was in Chicago. Marc Trestman. Aaron Kromer. Jeff Tedford and Marcus Arroyo. John DeFilippo. Hue Jackson and Pep Hamilton. John Morton. Jeremy Bates. Mike Groh in Philly. And technically, Tim Kelly in Houston.”
So, around 18, right?
“I guess so,” McCown responds.
Impressive.
“Yeah. And going back to college, there was Jim Ferguson at Sam Houston, Larry Kueck and Greg Briner at SMU, Wayne Coleman and Matt Turner in high school.”
You’re just showing off. But what if I asked you to translate offensive verbiage from one to another?
“He was known for his digits. Like Trips Right Scat Right 094 F-Seam Trail. That’s the play Sam Darnold made in the preseason with the Vikings,” McCown explains.
Incredible.
After carefully selecting a quarterback this spring, the Vikings have acted intentionally in many aspects, including hiring McCown. Head coach Kevin O’Connell chose McCown due to their longstanding relationship and his unique coaching approach.
McCown’s detailed coaching style is influenced by his past offensive coordinators like Martz, Trestman, and others. He highlights the importance of precise footwork and eye movements for quarterbacks, using specific drills to improve their synchronization.
In coaching, McCown values encouragement over criticism, guiding his quarterbacks with empathy and authenticity.
(Source: The Athletic)