Anthony Lynn quickly surfaces as an early contender in the Bills’ search to replace Sean McDermott

The Buffalo Bills are entering a new chapter, and the search for their next head coach is already taking shape. Just hours before the team is set to publicly address Sean McDermott’s dismissal, one exciting name has emerged as an early candidate for the role. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, former Bills assistant and ex-Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn has been linked to the vacancy.

While the process is still in its early stages, Lynn’s connection to Buffalo and his extensive coaching background make him a logical starting point. Lynn’s history with the Bills runs deeper, as he served as an assistant under Rex Ryan and stepped in as interim head coach after Ryan was fired ahead of Buffalo’s final game of the 2016 season

Why Anthony Lynn’s experience and Buffalo ties make him an early option

That short stint with the Bills helped raise Lynn’s profile, and he soon landed the Los Angeles Chargers head coaching job in 2017. Over four seasons with the Chargers, Lynn posted a 33-31 record. His best year came in 2018, when Los Angeles finished 12-4 and reached the playoffs.


While his tenure ended after the 2020 season, it closed on a high note, with the team winning its final four games. Since leaving Los Angeles, Lynn has remained active around the league. He served as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator in 2021, then spent two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers as assistant head coach and running backs coach.

In 2024, he joined the Washington Commanders as their run game coordinator, a role he has held for the past two years. His impressive résumé also includes long stops as a running backs coach with the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, and Jacksonville Jaguars. For Bills owner Terry Pegula and general manager Brandon Beane, Lynn represents someone they can trust due to his familiarity and exemplary leadership experience.

Pegula and Beane are scheduled to meet with the media at 10 a.m. Wednesday, when Lynn’s reported link to the job is expected to come up. While no hire is imminent, his name surfacing first signals the type of experience Buffalo may value as it charts its next move.


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