The Cleveland Browns are continuing their head coaching search with a familiar name in NFL circles: Anthony Lynn. The team announced that it completed an interview with Lynn, who currently serves as the Washington Commanders’ run game coordinator and running backs coach.
This interview marks another step in Cleveland’s methodical approach to filling its vacancy, and it also helps the Browns meet the Rooney Rule requirement. After their scheduled interview with Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, the team will have conducted two in-person interviews with minority candidates, clearing the way for a potential hire.
Lynn, 57, brings a wealth of experience to the table - both as a player and as a coach. He spent six seasons in the NFL as a running back with the Broncos and 49ers before transitioning to the sidelines in 2000. His coaching résumé is extensive, spanning over two decades and including stops with the Jaguars, Cowboys, Browns, Jets, Bills, Chargers, Lions, 49ers, and now the Commanders.
His most notable head coaching stint came with the Los Angeles Chargers from 2017 to 2020. During that four-year run, Lynn posted a 33-31 record, guiding the team to one playoff appearance. His Chargers teams were known for their physical run game and aggressive approach, traits that could appeal to a Browns organization that has long prided itself on toughness in the trenches.
Lynn’s journey through the coaching ranks has been defined by adaptability. He was promoted to offensive coordinator in Buffalo in 2016 after the team parted ways with Greg Roman, and later stepped in as interim head coach following Rex Ryan’s dismissal. That brief but impactful run helped land him the Chargers’ top job the following year.
After his time in L.A. ended, Lynn joined the Lions as offensive coordinator in 2021, then moved to San Francisco in 2022, where he served as assistant head coach and running backs coach under Kyle Shanahan. In 2024, he took on his current role in Washington, helping to shape a ground game that emphasized discipline and downhill running.
Lynn has also interviewed for the Bills’ head coaching vacancy, so Cleveland isn’t the only team taking a close look at the veteran coach.
Here’s how the Browns’ coaching search is shaping up so far:
- Todd Monken (Ravens OC) - Interviewed
- Jim Schwartz (Browns DC) - Interviewed
- Grant Udinski (Jaguars OC) - Scheduled
- Nate Scheelhaase (Rams pass game coordinator) - Scheduled
- Anthony Lynn (Commanders run game coordinator) - Interviewed
- Aden Durde (Seahawks DC) - Requested
- Dan Pitcher (Bengals OC) - Scheduled
- Chris Shula (Rams DC) - Requested
A few notable names are already off the board. Former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel withdrew from consideration after landing with the Chargers.
Jesse Minter, the Chargers’ defensive coordinator, also pulled out. Meanwhile, Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees is heading to Atlanta, and Packers DC Jeff Hafley is now with the Dolphins.
As the Browns continue to evaluate their options, Lynn stands out as a candidate with head coaching experience, a strong background in player development, and a track record of building effective rushing attacks. Whether Cleveland ultimately goes with a first-time head coach or someone with Lynn’s experience remains to be seen, but the Browns are clearly casting a wide net - and doing their homework.