The Detroit Lions are reportedly set to hire former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn to run their offense.
This week, the Detroit Lions officially introduced Dan Campbell as their new head coach. Although he spent the past five seasons as the assistant head coach of the New Orleans Saints, Campbell has no previous play-calling experience. So, the Lions decided to give him an experienced play-caller to run the offense.
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, the Lions will be hiring former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn as their offensive coordinator.
Lynn joined Lions due to connections
Why did Lynn choose the Lions job over the Seattle Seahawks vacancy? Well, because of the connections he has in Detroit. Lynn, Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn were all on the Dallas Cowboys in 2005. Lynn was the team’s running backs coach, Campbell played tight end and Glenn played cornerback that season.
This will be Lynn’s second stint as an offensive coordinator. Back in 2016, Lynn held that very position for the Buffalo Bills before taking over as interim head coach following the firing of Rex Ryan. The following offseason, Lynn was hired to be the head coach of the Chargers.
In Lynn’s five seasons with the organization, the Chargers had a 33-31 record and made one trip to the playoffs in 2018.
This season, the Chargers offense showed promise with rookie Justin Herbert starting at quarterback. Los Angeles ranked ninth in total offense (382.1 yards/game), sixth in passing (270.6) and 18th in rushing (111.5). Despite the offensive success, the Chargers lost numerous games in heartbreaking fashion, resulting in his firing at the conclusion of the regular-season.
Lynn will look to capitalize on the offensive talent in Detroit, especially with the likes of tight end TJ Hockenson and running back D’Andre Swift at his disposal. Plus, he’ll likely have to groom a young quarterback as well with veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Lions agreeing to mutually part ways this offseason. Either way, the Lions and Campbell now have an experienced play-caller to run their offense in 2021.