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About the Author: Bailey Adams
Latest Bucs Headlines
Just about the entire NFC South is in a state of transition in one way or another this offseason. The Bucs need a new quarterback and a new offensive coordinator, the Saints are looking for their new quarterback, the Falcons are still building and the Panthers have a new regime running the show. And now, that new regime in Carolina includes former Bucs quarterback Josh McCown.
The #Panthers are hiring Josh McCown as their QB coach position under Frank Reich, sources say. The 17-year veteran QB finally lands in the coaching world — as a key assistant.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 11, 2023
McCown has joined Frank Reich’s staff as the Panthers’ new quarterbacks coach, returning to the division where he spent three of his 16 NFL seasons. He was Carolina’s backup quarterback in 2008 and 2009 (appearing in three games) before serving as the Bucs’ primary starter during the team’s dreadful 2014 season. Tampa Bay finished 2-14 that season, with McCown completing 56.3% of his passes for 2,206 yards and 11 touchdowns to 14 interceptions while going 1-10 as a starter.
Former Bucs and Jets QB Josh McCown – Photo by: USA Today
Throughout his 16 years in the NFL, McCown played for nine teams. He spent four years with the Cardinals, two with the Panthers, Bears, Browns and Jets and one year each with the Lions, Raiders, Eagles and Bucs.
McCown originally signed a two-year deal with Tampa Bay, but the team released him after the 2014 season. After releasing him, the Bucs spent the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 Draft on Jameis Winston, whose up-and-down five-year run as the quarterback in Tampa ended in 2020 when Tom Brady came to town.
Former Bucs Assistant Also Joins Panthers
McCown isn’t the only new Panthers coach with ties to Carolina. Reich, who was hired as the team’s new head coach on Jan. 26, was the Panthers’ first-ever quarterback in 1995. He played under Dom Capers, Carolina’s original head coach. And now, Capers is returning to serve as a senior defensive consultant on Reich’s staff, working with new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. To bring things full circle back to the Bucs, Evero was a defensive quality control coach in Tampa Bay from 2007-2009.
McCown interviewed for the Texans’ vacant head coaching position both in 2021 and 2022, but now he’ll get his coaching start with the Panthers. As a result, he’ll see the Bucs — one of his nine former teams — twice a year.
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