5 candidates to replace Bill Belichick and give Patriots a fresh start

5. Josh McCown, Quarterbacks Coach, Carolina Panthers

Speaking of quarterback, let's talk about a wild card scenario here. Former NFL quarterback Josh McCown spent almost two decades playing for several teams around the league. The further along he got in his career, the more respect he earned around so many locker rooms and the league as a whole.

McCown was always known as one of the smartest guys in his locker room, and one of those teammates you love playing with and for. He was always rumored to eventually get into coaching after his playing days, and it didn't take long as he's now coaching Bryce Young and Andy Dalton with the Carolina Panthers.

He might not be ready for a head coaching gig just yet, as he could take the leap to offensive coordinator in the near future. But, he would not be a bad hire by any means. McCown knows offense. He knows quarterbacks. And, that should be the area of focus for the Patriots going forward.

New England could get ahead of the curve by ensuring they get McCown before he becomes an even bigger name and more competition arises.