EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 01: Head coach Anthony Lynn of the Buffalo Bills stands on the sidelines against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on January 1, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
Just one day after moving from San Diego to Los Angeles, the Chargers have selected their new head coach.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported the team has hired former Bills interim coach and offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.
Rapoport added the first-time head coach has agreed to a four-year deal with the Chargers. Lynn, 48, is the franchise’s first African-American head coach.
With Lynn secured, the Chargers will interview former Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley for their open defensive coordinator position. According to Rapoport, Bradley is the team’s top choice, while Ken Whisenhnt is the top choice for offensive coordinator.
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Just four months ago, Lynn was working under Bills offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Rex Ryan promoted Lynn over Roman after two early losses, and then Lynn took over when Ryan was fired before Week 17. While Buffalo struggled to gain passing yards with quarterback Tyrod Taylor, their versatile rushing offense was the best in the NFL. Led by running back LeSean McCoy, the Bills ran the ball with ease throughout the entire season. McCoy ended the season with 1,267 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Taylor, however, struggled, throwing for 3,023 yards to go along with 17 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Lynn played in the NFL for six seasons, including stints with the Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers, after playing running back at Texas Tech. He was one of six candidates interviewed by the Chargers. The others included Sean McDermott, who was hired as the Bill’s head coach, New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, , Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Mike Smith, Kansas City Chiefs special-teams coordinator Dave Toub and Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin.
Lynn also interviewed for the Bills and Los Angeles Rams’ head-coaching vacancies.
The Chargers have a legitimate franchise quarterback in Philip Rivers, and great talent around him like pass rusher Joey Bosa, cornerback Jason Verrett, wide receiver Keenan Allen and running back Melvin Gordon.
The 49ers’ coaching vacancy is now the only one that remains in the NFL.
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