Former Lions OC Anthony Lynn: 'Dan Campbell did a hell of a job creating a culture'

It was hardly a surprise to learn shortly after Week 18 that Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell elected to move on from offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn after just a single season working together. Campbell stripped Lynn of primary offensive play-calling duties after the Lions began the campaign with eight consecutive losses, and quarterback Jared Goff later found himself publicly denying a report that he and Lynn "never really clicked."

Lynn ultimately landed with the San Francisco 49ers earlier this month and largely had positive things to say about his former employer while speaking with WoodwardSports.com. 

"Great leadership. I can tell you that," Lynn said of Campbell. "Dan Campbell did a hell of a job creating a culture. I know the record didn’t show it, but the foundation is being laid for future success right in Detroit. It was outstanding leadership. Those young men showed up every single day to work and get better. But I feel like they got better as the year went on. We had a long ways to go but I feel like we made some improvements." 

Much like Goff, Lynn watched from home as the Los Angeles Rams, Goff's former club, defeated the Cincinnati Bengals to win Super Bowl LVI last Sunday. Lynn added he believes Goff has the goods to return to the big game with the Lions. 

"I think you look at Jared Goff’s track record, you know, when he was with Los Angeles," Lynn said. "He was the quarterback of that team, and they went to the Super Bowl. They can absolutely win with Jared Goff." 

Under Goff and Campbell, the Lions won three of their last six games to, ideally, build momentum heading into the ongoing offseason.