Commanders Hire Anthony Lynn as Run Game Coordinator

The Washington Commanders have hired Anthony Lynn as their new run game coordinator, according to insider information shared by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Front Office Restructuring: Lance Newmark and Martin Mayhew

The Commanders also completed their front office restructuring by hiring Lance Newmark from the Detroit Lions and reassigning former general manager Martin Mayhew, as per ESPN sources.

Former executive vice president Marty Hurney will now serve in an advisory role within the football operations department, as revealed by reliable sources.

Anthony Lynn’s Coaching Experience and Relationship

Lynn, who served as the assistant head coach/running backs coach for the San Francisco 49ers over the past two seasons, brings a wealth of experience and a strong rapport with Washington’s new general manager, Adam Peters, and newly appointed head coach, Dan Quinn.

Coaching Staff Additions: Darryl Tapp and Tom Donatell

Joining Lynn in Washington is Darryl Tapp, another assistant coach from the 49ers, who will take on the role of defensive line coach for the Commanders. Tapp was a former defensive end for Washington during his 12-year NFL career.

Furthermore, Washington brought Tom Donatell to serve as the defensive backs coach. Donatell spent the past three years with the Los Angeles Chargers and most recently held the position of passing game coordinator/secondary coach in 2023.

Comparison: 49ers’ vs. Commanders’ Rushing Performance

The 49ers, whose offense features star running back Christian McCaffrey, ranked fourth in rushing yards per game and third in yards per carry. This was in Lynn’s two seasons.

Washington ranked 21st and 24th in those categories, respectively, over the same period. The Commanders have struggled to achieve top rankings in rushing yards per game, with their last top-10 finish dating back to 2013; and only once since then have they been in the top half, ranking 12th in 2021.

Washington had considered Lynn for its offensive coordinator position last offseason, a role that ultimately went to Eric Bieniemy.

Coaching History: Lynn’s Journey to Washington

Lynn spent four years as the Los Angeles Chargers’ head coach. His hiring announcement coincided with the franchise’s relocation from San Diego to Los Angeles.

Under Lynn’s leadership, the Chargers enjoyed success in his initial seasons but faced challenges in his latter years, leading to his firing. Lynn also served as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions in 2021.

Lynn has coached running backs for five other teams. He’s the second former head coach hired for Quinn’s staff. Kingsbury, formerly with the Arizona Cardinals, takes on the role of offensive coordinator for the Commanders.

Mayhew’s Transition and Newmark’s Impact

Mayhew has been the Commanders as GM for three seasons and now will be the senior personnel executive/adviser under Peters, his successor. They spent four years together in San Francisco. Mayhew also shares a longstanding professional relationship with Newmark, spanning 15 seasons in Detroit, including the last eight as the Lions’ GM.

Newmark’s arrival strengthens Washington’s front office with extensive experience. With 26 years at the Lions, he ascended from a personnel department assistant to senior director of player personnel, overseeing both college and pro scouting operations. He played a pivotal role alongside Detroit’s executive vice president and GM Brad Holmes in constructing a team that made it to this season’s NFC Championship Game.

This report used information from ESPN.