Minnesota Vikings‘ QBs coach Josh McCown was given a promotion to passing game coordinator earlier this offseason.
Vikings.com added some insight into the promotion.
“Though the former longtime QB had opportunities elsewhere in the league this offseason, McCown opted to stay in Minnesota and continue developing what O’Connell described as ‘a journey toward either being a coordinator or, more than likely, a head coach.’
‘I think that’s great for Josh,’ O’Connell said.”
McCown will now have bigger fingerprints on the offense that can be assumed to be operated by Kyler Murray.
Vikings’ Josh McCown Named as Potential Future Head Coach
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 04: Head coach Kevin O’Connell and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown talk with J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter of a game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Doric Sam of Bleacher Report recently covered a piece on The Athletic by Jourdan Rodrigue.
“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“
McCown is heading into year 3 as the Vikings’ QB coach, and year 1 of being the passing game coordinator.
He had a hand in the resurgence of Sam Darnold, and is being trusted enough to have a larger role within the offense.
Rodrigue added another interesting snippet about McCown.
“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.”
Time will tell where McCown’s coaching career goes, but one day, it could be in the direction of being the main guy.
OL Justin Skule Returns to Tampa Bay
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 24: Sean Tucker #44 celebrates with teammate Justin Skule #77 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after scoring a touchdown against the New York Giants during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Buccaneers specialist Greg Auman of Fox Sports broke the news on X.
“Bucs are bringing back offensive lineman Justin Skule, a key backup from 2022-24 who played for the Vikings last year.”
Skule spent just one year in Minnesota after three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is originally a San Francisco 49er.
NFLTradeRumors added some context into Skule’s career thus far.
“Skule, 29, was a sixth-round pick by the 49ers out of Vanderbilt in 2019. He signed a four-year rookie deal worth $2.699 million and was set to make a base salary of $850,ooo in 2021 when he was waived with an injury designation and reverted to injured reserve.
San Francisco waived Skule again coming out of the preseason in 2022 and he made his way onto the Buccaneers’ practice squad. Tampa Bay brought him back on a futures contract for the 2023 season and he made the roster.”
Skule would then hit unrestricted free agency in 2025, inking a one-year deal in Minnesota. He appeared in 16 games in 2025, starting 9. PFF graded him 45th out of 84 qualifying tackles.
The Vikings’ acquisition of former Bills tackle Ryan Van Demark filled the hole that Skule left.
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