The Buffalo Bills are officially in head coach-hunting mode, and two familiar faces have emerged as early candidates - both with deep ties to the franchise’s offensive past.
First up: Brian Daboll. The former Bills offensive coordinator has reportedly been contacted about the job.
Daboll, of course, was instrumental in Josh Allen’s development during his time in Buffalo, helping to transform the young quarterback from a raw prospect into one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers. His name carries weight in Western New York, and it’s no surprise the Bills are at least kicking the tires on a potential reunion.
But Daboll isn’t the only ex-offensive mind from Buffalo’s past getting a call. Anthony Lynn, currently the Washington Commanders’ running backs coach and run game coordinator, has also been contacted for an interview.
Lynn’s history with the Bills stretches back to the Rex Ryan era, where he served as the team’s running backs coach in 2015. By 2016, he was promoted to assistant head coach and offensive coordinator after Greg Roman was let go just two weeks into the season.
Lynn’s time in Buffalo was short but eventful. Following a dramatic 34-31 overtime loss to the Dolphins late in the 2016 season - a game that led to Ryan’s dismissal - Lynn stepped in as interim head coach for the season finale. That game didn’t go Buffalo’s way either, ending in a 30-10 loss to the Jets, but it marked Lynn’s first experience leading a team from the sideline.
He came close to landing the full-time gig in 2017, ultimately finishing as a finalist before the job went to Sean McDermott. Lynn didn’t stay on the market long, though - he quickly took the head coaching job with the Los Angeles Chargers that same year.
Over four seasons in L.A., Lynn posted a 33-31 record and led the team to the playoffs in 2018. That postseason included a gritty 23-18 win over the Baltimore Ravens - still the Chargers’ most recent playoff victory.
After a 7-9 finish in 2020, Lynn was let go by the Chargers. He resurfaced in Detroit as the Lions’ offensive coordinator in 2021, but that stint was short-lived.
He was relieved of those duties at the end of the season. From there, he joined the San Francisco 49ers as assistant head coach and running backs coach for the 2022 and 2023 seasons - a tenure that coincided with some of the most creative and effective rushing attacks in the league.
Now with the Commanders, Lynn has continued to build his reputation as a respected run game architect. His experience, leadership, and familiarity with the Buffalo organization make him an intriguing candidate as the Bills look to chart their next chapter.
The search is still in its early stages, but with names like Daboll and Lynn in the mix, the Bills are clearly exploring candidates who know the franchise - and know how to win.