Commanders want to interview Anthony Lynn for offensive coordinator

The Washington Commanders have an extensive search for a new offensive coordinator. Washington has conducted five interviews, and now they’re seeking another with a former NFL head coach.

According to Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post, the Commanders have sought permission to interview San Francisco 49ers assistant head coach and running backs coach Anthony Lynn.

Despite being in the NFL coaching ranks since 2002, Lynn made his name as the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. Lynn spent four seasons from 2017-2020 before being fired. He compiled a 33-32 record, making the postseason once in 2018.

Since his dismal from the Chargers, Lynn spent one season as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator. Then in 2022, he landed with the 49ers as the assistant head coach under Kyle Shanahan.

Lynn’s offenses had more success when he was a head coach. The Chargers’ offense finished no lower than 11th in yards with Lynn. However, in his lone season with the Lions, the offense finished 22nd in yards and 25th in points.

Lions quarterback Jared Goff struggled in his first year in Detroit. The 2021 season was also Dan Campbell’s first as head coach.

The scheme was run-orientated, as D’Andre Swift and Jamaal William each ran for over 600 yards and scored eight touchdowns combined.

Meanwhile, the ball found then-rookie wide receiver Amon Ra-St. Brown for 90 catches, 912 yards, and five touchdowns. Furthermore, tight end T.J. Hockenson got his touches with 61 catches, 583 yards, and four touchdowns.

That’s important to note, considering while Commanders head coach Ron Rivera wants to feature the run the game, Washington has a Pro Bowl wide receiver in Terry McLaurin. Meanwhile, the tight end position wasn’t featured in an ideal way under former offensive coordinator Scott Turner.

Now, it’s unclear if the 49ers will grant Washington permission to interview Lynn. Washington will make a formal request after the 49ers play in Sunday’s NFC Championship Game, per ESPN’s John Keim.

Nonetheless, Anthony Lynn adds to a growing list of candidates for the opening in Washington. The Commanders have interviewed quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese, Miami Dolphins assistant Eric Studeville, Atlanta Falcons assistant Charles London, former New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur and Los Angeles Rams assistant Thomas Brown.