Who is Anthony Lynn? (Wiki & Bio)
Anthony Ray Lynn (born December 21, 1968) is an American football coach and former NFL running back. Born in McKinney, Texas, Lynn emerged from Texas Tech as a standout running back before launching a six-season NFL playing career with teams including the Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers. As a player, he appeared in 83 career games and earned two Super Bowl rings with Denver in the late 1990s.
After retiring from play, Lynn transitioned into coaching with early stops as a position coach and assistant for teams such as the Jets, Browns, Cowboys, Jaguars, and Broncos, eventually becoming a respected NFL assistant.
Buffalo Bills Connection
Before his head coaching days, Anthony Lynn served with the Buffalo Bills as a running backs coach and offensive coordinator. In his time with the Bills (2015–2016), the team led the NFL in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns and he even served as interim head coach for Buffalo’s final game in 2016 after Rex Ryan was fired.
Although brief, his Bills tenure helped establish his reputation as a strong leader and a coach capable of improving offensive fronts.
Los Angeles Chargers Head Coach
Lynn’s most notable role came when the Los Angeles Chargers hired him in January 2017 as head coach — making him the first African-American head coach in franchise history.
Under Lynn’s leadership from 2017–2020:
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He compiled a 33–31 regular season record with the Chargers.
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In 2018, Lynn led the team to a 12–4 record and a playoff berth, the franchise’s first since 2013.
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His Chargers reached the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs but lost to the eventual champions.
Despite early success, Los Angeles struggled in subsequent seasons, finishing below .500 in 2019 and 2020.
Coaching Stats & Records
Across his NFL head coaching career:
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Total games coached: 65
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Regular season wins: 33
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Regular season losses: 32
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Playoff record: 1–1
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Overall win percentage: Approx. 50.7%
These figures reflect a tenure that had moments of promise but ultimately inconsistent results.
Fired from the Chargers
On January 4, 2021, the Chargers fired Anthony Lynn after four seasons in charge. The decision came after back-to-back seasons without playoff appearances and an overall decline in performance. Chargers owner Dean Spanos cited unmet expectations despite acknowledging Lynn’s leadership qualities.
Lynn’s dismissal marked the end of a coaching chapter in Los Angeles, though many pundits and fans respected his character and commitment.
Salary & Contract Details
Anthony Lynn signed a four-year head coaching contract with the Chargers in January 2017, though specific NFL coaching salaries are often private.
Estimates from league salary trackers suggest Lynn’s annual compensation as a head coach likely ranged between $2–$5 million per year, consistent with many NFL head coaches who are not among the very top-paid tier.
While not among the league’s elite paid coaches, Lynn’s contract indicated trust in his leadership and projected growth with the franchise.
Legacy & Coaching Style
Anthony Lynn is widely regarded as a players’ coach — known for strong leadership and building team morale. However, critics sometimes pointed to game management decisions and strategic choices as areas where his teams underperformed.
Despite ups and downs, Lynn’s journey from NFL running back to head coach illustrates the value of perseverance and adaptability in professional football.
Conclusion
Anthony Lynn’s NFL story spans player success, coaching ascent with the Bills, historic hire with the Chargers, and a mixed but impactful head coaching legacy. While his tenure ended without a championship, Lynn remains a respected figure in football circles and continues to draw interest for coaching and leadership roles across the league.
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