Josh McCown is everything Sam Darnold could ask for in a mentor

Josh McCown spoke to reporters Monday before coach Todd Bowles announced Sam Darnold was the new Jets starting quarterback.

But for 12 minutes, McCown fielded question after question about Darnold and a few times began his answers with a big smile and, “If Sam is the starter … ,” knowing which way the team was going even if Bowles had not made it official.

Through the entire spring and summer as the Jets have pushed McCown aside to usher in Darnold, the 39-year-old has handled everything with aplomb. He has embraced his role as a mentor for Darnold and been the ultimate team guy.

“Josh has been like that since he’s walked in the door, before he was even the starter last year when I played…