Former Buccaneers Quarterback hired by NFC South Rival as Assistant Coach
The Carolina Panthers are moving in a different direction after hiring Frank Reich as head coach at the end of January. That means the franchise is currently in the process of filling out its coaching staff for Reich's inaugural season with the Panthers.
READ MORE: CBS Sports Projects Buccaneers to trade up for Tom Brady's replacement in 2023 NFL Draft
On Friday evening, Carolina made another move by bringing in former NFL signal-caller Josh McCown as quarterbacks coach. This will be McCown's first job at the professional level after earning experience at multiple high school stops.
The 43-year-old coached locally in North Carolina at Marvin Ridge High School for multiple years while he was still an active player. As of late, he's been helping out with Rusk High School in Texas where his sons play.
McCown previously played for ten franchises in 18 years in the NFL, compiling 17,731 passing yards with 98 touchdown passes to 82 interceptions. His longest stint with a team was the four years he spent with Arizona to begin his career. McCown played three years with the Chicago Bears and two years with the Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants.
The Texas native spent one year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2014 under head coach Lovie Smith. It wasn't his most memorable season as the Buccaneers finished with the worst record in the league at 2-14. McCown completed 184/327 passes (56.3%) for 2,206 yards with 11 touchdown passes and a career-high 14 interceptions.
The season resulted in Tampa Bay spending the No. 1 overall pick on former Florida State star quarterback Jameis Winston, who holds the franchise record for passing yards.
McCown interviewed for the Houston Texans' open head coaching position a year ago. He finished as a finalist for the job before the Texans went in a different direction.
Carolina holds the No. 9 overall selection in the upcoming draft and may pursue a quarterback.
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