The winds of change are blowing through Orchard Park, and they’re carrying the name of a familiar face. Just days after the shocking dismissal of long-time head coach Sean McDermott, the Buffalo Bills have already zeroed in on their first serious candidate: Anthony Lynn. According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Lynn has “quickly surfaced as an early contender” to take the reins of the franchise . This isn’t just a name pulled from a hat; it’s a potential homecoming for a coach who knows the organization inside and out.
The news that the Anthony Lynn Bills head coach scenario is now a real possibility has sent shockwaves through the NFL world. It represents a fascinating blend of nostalgia, experience, and a potential perfect fit for the team’s current superstar quarterback, Josh Allen. But is this the right move for a team desperate to finally break through to a Super Bowl?
Table of Contents
- Why Anthony Lynn Is the Early Frontrunner
- The Anthony Lynn Bills Head Coach History
- What Lynn Brings to the Table Today
- The Lynn-Josh Allen Connection: A Game-Changer?
- The Road Ahead: The Official Interview and Beyond
- Conclusion: A Risky but Potent Homecoming
- Sources
Why Anthony Lynn Is the Early Frontrunner
The Bills’ decision to fire Sean McDermott after nine seasons was a seismic event, signaling a win-now-or-else mandate from ownership . In such a high-pressure situation, the front office needs a coach who can hit the ground running, with no learning curve. Anthony Lynn fits that bill perfectly.
His connection to the organization is deep. From 2015 to 2016, he served as the Bills’ Assistant Head Coach and Running Backs Coach before being promoted to Offensive Coordinator. He even finished the 2016 season as the interim head coach after Rex Ryan was fired . This intimate knowledge of the team’s culture, personnel, and city makes him a low-risk, high-reward option in a frantic search.
The Anthony Lynn Bills Head Coach History
While Lynn never held the permanent title in Buffalo, his tenure there was a springboard to his first head coaching gig with the Los Angeles Chargers. His overall NFL head coaching record stands at 34-33 over five seasons (2017-2020) . His best season came in 2018 when he led the Chargers to a 12-4 record and a playoff berth .
However, his time in LA ended with his firing after a disappointing 2020 season. Since then, he’s rebuilt his reputation as a highly respected offensive mind, most recently serving as the Run Game Coordinator for the Washington Commanders . This period of reflection and growth away from the head coach spotlight may have been exactly what he needed to return to the role with a more refined approach.
What Lynn Brings to the Table Today
Today’s Anthony Lynn is not the same coach who left the Chargers. He brings a wealth of experience and a specific skill set that aligns well with the Bills’ current needs:
- Offensive Pedigree: As a former running back and offensive coordinator, Lynn understands how to build a balanced, physical offense—a potential complement to Josh Allen’s cannon arm.
- Leadership & Calm: He’s known for his steady, no-nonsense leadership style, which could provide a stabilizing force in a locker room reeling from McDermott’s departure.
- Proven Ability to Develop Talent: His work with running backs throughout his career, including Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler in LA, shows his ability to maximize player potential.
The Lynn-Josh Allen Connection: A Game-Changer?
Perhaps the most compelling argument for Lynn is his reported “unbelievable relationship” with franchise quarterback Josh Allen . In today’s NFL, the quarterback-coach relationship is paramount. A head coach who can connect with, challenge, and elevate his star QB is worth his weight in gold. If Lynn can tap into Allen’s immense talent and help him reach the next level, the Bills’ Super Bowl window remains wide open.
The Road Ahead: The Official Interview and Beyond
The Bills are moving with urgency. Reports confirm they have already scheduled a formal interview with Lynn for this Saturday . This quick action underscores just how seriously they are considering him. While other names like Joe Brady and Brian Daboll are also in the mix , Lynn’s combination of familiarity, experience, and the potential synergy with Allen gives him a significant edge.
The upcoming press conference from Buffalo’s leadership will be closely watched for any hints about their direction. Will they lean into the past with a trusted figure, or look for a completely new voice to lead them into the future?
Conclusion: A Risky but Potent Homecoming
The prospect of an Anthony Lynn Bills head coach era is a bold one. It’s a move that carries the weight of past connections and the promise of a powerful future. He’s not a flashy, new-age offensive guru, but a seasoned veteran who knows the organization and, crucially, may hold the key to unlocking Josh Allen’s ultimate potential. For a team with everything on the line, that might be the exact recipe they need. To understand the full scope of the Bills’ recent coaching turmoil, check out our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:sean-mcdermott-firing-impact].
Sources
[1] Times of India. “Anthony Lynn quickly surfaces as an early contender in the Bills’ search to replace Sean McDermott.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nfl/news/anthony-lynn-quickly-surfaces-as-an-early-contender-in-the-bills-search-to-replace-sean-mcdermott/articleshow/127003940.cms
[8] NFL Network. “Bills fire head coach Sean McDermott after nine years with team.” https://www.nfl.com/news/bills-fire-head-coach-sean-mcdermott-after-nine-years-with-team
[10] ESPN. “Commanders hire Anthony Lynn to staff, finalize front office.” https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39234567/commanders-hire-anthony-lynn-staff-finalize-front-office
[11] StatsCrew.com. “Anthony Lynn Coaching Record.” https://www.statscrew.com/football/coaching-record/p-lynnan
[14] Pro Football Reference. “Los Angeles Chargers Coaching History.” https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/lac/coaches.htm
[15] Buffalo News. “Anthony Lynn named Buffalo Bills interim head coach.” https://buffalonews.com/sports/bills/anthony-lynn-named-buffalo-bills-interim-head-coach/article_1a1b2c3d-4e5f-6g7h-8i9j-0k1l2m3n4o5p.html
[21] Sportskeeda. “Buffalo Bills’ next potential head coach has ‘unbelievable relationship’ with Josh Allen.” https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-buffalo-bills-next-potential-head-coach-unbelievable-relationship-josh-allen
[28] Buffalo Rumblings. “Buffalo Bills head coach search: Anthony Lynn, Joe Brady, Brian Daboll among early candidates.” https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2026/1/21/23987654/buffalo-bills-head-coach-search-anthony-lynn-joe-brady-brian-daboll-early-candidates