The Buffalo Bills’ search for their next head coach continues to heat up, and on Saturday, they took a closer look at a familiar face: Anthony Lynn. The team confirmed they interviewed Lynn, who just wrapped up his second season as the Commanders’ run game coordinator and running backs coach.
For Bills fans, Lynn’s name should ring a bell. He was part of Buffalo’s coaching staff back in 2015 and 2016 under Rex Ryan, and his role quickly expanded during that second season.
When the team parted ways with offensive coordinator Greg Roman just two weeks into the 2016 campaign, Lynn stepped into that role and was later elevated to interim head coach for the season finale. That final game - a 30-10 loss to the Jets - may not have ended on a high note, but Lynn’s leadership during a turbulent stretch didn’t go unnoticed.
In fact, Lynn was a finalist for the Bills’ head coaching job in 2017. That position ultimately went to Sean McDermott, but Lynn didn’t stay on the market long. The Chargers hired him that same offseason, and he went on to post a 33-31 record over four seasons in Los Angeles, including a playoff appearance and a postseason win.
Since then, Lynn’s coaching journey has taken him through Detroit, where he served as offensive coordinator in 2021, and San Francisco, where he spent two seasons as the assistant head coach and running backs coach. Most recently, he’s been part of a Washington staff that’s worked to establish a more physical identity in the run game - an area where Lynn’s fingerprints were clearly visible.
The Bills’ coaching search remains wide open, with several high-profile names in the mix. In addition to Lynn, Buffalo has interviewed Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, current Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, former Giants head coach Brian Daboll, Colts quarterback Philip Rivers, Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, and Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski.
It’s a diverse group, spanning everything from rising coordinators to seasoned head coaches and even a recently retired quarterback. But Lynn brings a unique blend of familiarity with the organization, head coaching experience, and a track record of building tough, run-first offenses - something that could align well with Buffalo’s vision moving forward.
The Bills have a critical decision ahead, and with each interview, the picture becomes a little clearer. Lynn’s name is officially back in the building. Now we wait to see if he’s the one to lead them into their next chapter.