Reported NY Jets HC candidate could be key to fantasy Sam Darnold reunion

Who doesn’t love a good reunion story? As the NY Jets assess their quarterback options for the 2025 season, one intriguing idea making the rounds is a potential reunion with former Jets QB Sam Darnold.

Darnold is expected to be the top quarterback option on the market this offseason after the ex-USC star revitalized his career with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. With the Jets likely on the hunt for a new signal-caller, they could consider reaching out to their former top draft pick as part of their search.

There's still a very good chance that Darnold ultimately stays in Minnesota, but given the presence of 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy and Darnold's projected market value, it's possible the Vikings let him walk.

If that happens, the biggest obstacle the Jets might be forced to overcome is selling Darnold on returning to the organization that nearly derailed his career. There might be one way to win him over, though — Josh McCown.

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The NY Jets could hire Josh McCown to pair with a returning Sam Darnold

The Jets officially requested an interview with McCown, the current Vikings quarterbacks coach, on Monday. McCown has quickly become a hot name in the coaching world and previously interviewed for the Houston Texans' head coach job a few years ago.

Darnold and McCown notably crossed paths in New York, with the latter serving as a veteran mentor to the young USC product early in his career. The two have maintained a close personal relationship that has only strengthened during their time together in Minnesota this year.

If the Jets really want to make a strong pitch to Darnold, hiring his close friend and mentor would probably be a good start. McCown has plenty of qualified credentials as well, even if it may be a bit too soon for him to become a head coach.

The former NFL quarterback has been praised extensively for his work with Darnold this year and has worked closely with head coach Kevin O'Connell. He's someone who many expect to be a head coach one day.

But maybe it is indeed too early for McCown to receive a position like that. The Jets could also take a long look at McCown as a potential offensive coordinator, especially if they hire someone like Brian Flores, the current Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator.

Pairing the defensive-minded Flores with a highly-touted offensive mind in McCown would be an excellent direction for the organization regardless of their quarterback plans. That duo serving as an effective recruiting pitch to Darnold would be the cherry on top.

Darnold's Vikings future could very well depend on what unfolds over the next few weeks in the playoffs, but if Minnesota lets him shake free, the Jets should make him one of their top priorities this offseason.

Why run it back with Aaron Rodgers when you can run it back with Sam Darnold and Josh McCown instead?

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