Anyone who researches Anthony Lynn will tell you that he has an impressive resume. Hopefully, the powers that be at One Bills Drive are aware of this resume and are planning on retaining Lynn as head coach for 2017. Lynn played his collegiate ball at Texas Tech from 1988-1991. He came into the NFL undrafted due to injury. Lynn’s best years professionally came in 1997-1998 when he was a member of the Denver Broncos. Those seasons were John Elway’s last and the Broncos won back-to-back championships. He retired in 2000 due to multiple neck stinger injuries. Since then, Lynn has been around respected names in coaching and has seen success.
The Buffalo Bills Should Retain Anthony Lynn as Head Coach
Anthony Lynn has been around the league and seen many systems and philosophies. He knows at this point in his 17 year stint what works, and what does not. He was a running back coach for teams including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys, and Cleveland Browns. Lynn was integral part of Fred Taylor’s success in Jacksonville during the 2003 season. That year Taylor ran for an outstanding 1,572 yards. He also helped Jamal Lewis run for consecutive 1000 yards season in 2007 and 2008. More recently, the Buffalo Bills have had the top rushing attack in the NFL the past two seasons with Lynn on the staff.
Lynn has accrued his coaching knowledge under a number of credible coaching names. These names include the likes of Bill Parcells, Mike Shanahan, Jack Del Rio, and Romeo Crannel. A good coaching lineage is something that should be appealing to any franchise. Lynn served as assistant head coach while with the New York Jets and Rex Ryan. Before following Ryan to the Bills, Lynn was interviewed for the Jets head coaching job, as well as by the Miami Dolphins. This means that Lynn is already a viable coaching candidate and will likely be interviewed by other teams.
Too Much Turnover
There is a lot to be said for consistency and continuity in the NFL. Look at all the teams that have habitual success season after season. These teams have little turnover at key positions in the organization. The most obvious being head coach and quarterback. The Bills haven’t had the same face in either spot for nearly 20 years. Mean while, teams such as the New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, and Pittsburgh Steelers have a solid foundation and a process in place. There are few questions about who’s in charge and how things are going to be run. Either a player comes in and conforms or they find talent elsewhere. It would only help to prolong the Bills playoff drought by blowing everything up again. A complete start over always take a few years to get off the ground. Lynn has the respect of the Bills locker room and players.
LeSean McCoy has spoken highly of Lynn in the past and is on pace for just over 1,400 yards this season. Lynn will want to stick with the “ground and pound” philosophy. This system works with Buffalo’s current offensive personnel. If the Bills offense can come into 2017 with its offensive weapons all healthy it will be potent. Keeping the same system and coordinator in place will also help. Anthony Lynn comes from a good coaching tree and pedigree. The Bills management made a bad decision hiring Rex Ryan two years ago. Because of that decision they got what Rex Ryan brings; a whole lot of hot air and a .500 record. Hopefully the Bills brass can admit their mistake and make a more disciplined choice with Anthony Lynn.
