If the Raiders select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first pick in April’s draft, he will have a robust coaching infrastructure around him. The latest addition is Mike McCoy, hired as assistant head coach, a role that capitalizes on his extensive background with quarterbacks.
McCoy, 53, brings 23 years of NFL experience, including head coaching stints with the Chargers and Titans. His career record stands at 29-46 with one playoff appearance. But his value lies in quarterback development: Philip Rivers posted his three best completion percentage seasons under McCoy, Tim Tebow thrived in a read-option scheme McCoy tailored for him, and Trevor Lawrence had consecutive 4,000-yard seasons with McCoy as his position coach. Even with Tennessee last season, rookie Cam Ward threw 10 touchdowns against one interception over the final nine games under McCoy’s interim leadership.
“(McCoy) is someone capable of adapting to the player,” said Michael Gehlken, who covered the Chargers for the San Diego Union-Tribune. “It’s a big part of his calling card. He’s an offensive guy, a quarterback guy.”
McCoy’s presence also benefits first-time head coach Klint Kubiak. “To have a former head coach, that’s a big deal, and probably part of the reason Mike was brought in there,” Gehlken added. “He can come in and help groom a young quarterback, but also be a north star at times to a first-time head coach.”
Kubiak recently hired Seahawks quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko as offensive coordinator, so McCoy’s daily hands-on role with Mendoza may be limited. Still, he provides a veteran sounding board. The Raiders are widely expected to take Mendoza, who led Indiana to a 16-0 national championship and won the Heisman Trophy.
“It’s a great start for those who will have influence assuming Mendoza is the guy,” the article notes. “The kid won’t lack for coaching and development.”
