The 49ers are hiring Anthony Lynn as their new assistant head coach, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Lynn will be tasked with helping to guide the 49ers offense with a focus on the ground game, Schefter hears.
Lynn, 53, spent four years as the Chargers head coach. His highpoint came in 2018 as he guided the Bolts to a 12-4 record and a playoff win. Things took a turn after that, however. The Chargers went just 5-11 in 2019 and 7-9 in 2020, losing a mind-boggling amount of close games in those final two campaigns.
Lynn spent the 2021 season as the Lions offensive coordinator, but head coach Dan Campbell didn’t invite him back for ’22. The Lions averaged just 16.8 points per game during Lynn’s eight games as the play-caller, and they failed to record a win during that time. In the following eight contests, they averaged 19.25 points per game, squeezing out two victories and a tie.
Still, Schefter hears that Lynn had a healthy market in this cycle, garnering offers in the pro and NCAA ranks. Despite his lackluster run in Detroit, he’s still regarded as a solid offensive mind, particularly when it comes to the ground game.
For now, Lynn is set to report to Mike McDaniel, who is in the mix for the Dolphins’ head-coaching job.
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