The Los Angeles Chargers have officially fired head coach Anthony Lynn following a 7-9 2020 season. As such, the search is on for the Chargers head coaching candidates. General manager Tom Telesco will have his pick to build around QB Justin Herbert.
Why was Anthony Lynn fired?
Despite winning the final four games of the season, Lynn’s decision-making and poor game management ultimately cost him his job. Twelve of the Chargers’ 16 games this season have been one-score games. The Chargers are 5-7 in those games.
Perhaps the biggest knife in Anthony Lynn’s job security is the bright star of QB Justin Herbert. The ownership will want to capitalize on Herbert’s play. As such, they’re going to hire a new coach that will maximize Herbert’s talents and start winning games.
Los Angeles Chargers Head Coach Candidates
Here are the names to know for the Chargers’ head coaching position.
Brian Daboll, Buffalo Bills Offensive Coordinator
While Anthony Lynn was also a Bills’ coach at one point in time, Brian Daboll’s creativity and development of Allen in Buffalo makes him stand out among the Chargers’ head coaching candidates. The Bills’ offense is currently second in passing offense, seventh in total offense, and sixth in scoring per game. The Bills are fifth in offensive DVOA and third in passing DVOA.
Herbert’s traits are reminiscent of Josh Allen’s. If Daboll has been that successful with Allen, chances are he can replicate that with Justin Herbert. The next Chargers head coach’s ultimate goal will be to develop Justin Herbert into one of the game’s best. Daboll has proven he can do just that.
Daboll has been a part of several winning cultures. He started off winning Super Bowls in New England and won NCAA championships with Alabama before being hired by Buffalo. His pedigree is among the best in the country, and I’d expect him to be the top Chargers head coaching candidate. To provide even more connections, Daboll and Chargers’ GM Tom Telesco went to high school together. Should be the Chargers’ first call.
Arthur Smith, Tennessee Titans Offensive Coordinator
Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith could be in play as well. Smith is credited for resurrecting Ryan Tannehill’s career in Tennessee. Smith worked his way up the rankings with the Titans and is now reaping the rewards. General manager Tom Telesco should be familiar with Smith, as Smith worked for the Titans while Telesco was in Indianapolis.
Once again, the Chargers will look to go all in around Herbert. As such, nabbing quality offensive play-callers will be a top priority. While Smith has only been calling plays for two seasons, the Titans have become one of the NFL’s best offenses while he has been at the helm. With a young quarterback already on the roster and plenty of weapons around him, the potential upside of Smith could be tremendous.
Matt Eberflus, Indianapolis Colts Defensive Coordinator
What if the Chargers decide to search for a defensive head coaching candidate instead? Tom Telesco originally worked for the Colts before coming over to the Chargers. As such, Colts’ defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus might be a name connected to the job through Telesco’s network. If the team is looking for a coach who manages the game better than Anthony Lynn, Eberflus would be a strong candidate in that race.
The Chargers were 22nd in defensive DVOA this season and were 25th last season. The Colts currently sit at eighth in defensive DVOA. An upgrade on that side of the ball could lead to an improved record.
If this happens, the team could promote QB coach Pep Hamilton to OC. Hamilton also worked for the Colts during the early Andrew Luck years in Indianapolis. Hamilton has been the primary developer of Justin Herbert and is very comfortable with him already.
Other candidates who could be in play for the Chargers
Eric Bieniemy, Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Coordinator
Joe Brady, Carolina Panthers Offensive Coordinator
Byron Leftwich, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator
Don “Wink” Martindale, Baltimore Ravens Defensive Coordinator
Brandon Staley, Los Angeles Rams Defensive Coordinator