The Los Angeles Chargers officially fired coach Anthony Lynn after a 7-9 season in 2020. As such, the search for Chargers main coaching candidates is enabled. General manager Tom Telesco will have his choice to build around the QB Justin Herbert.
Why was Anthony Lynn fired?
Despite winning the last four games of the season, Lynn’s decision making and mismanagement ended up costing her job. Twelve of the Chargers’ 16 games this season were one-score games. The Chargers are 5-7 in those games.
Perhaps the biggest knife in Anthony Lynn’s job security is the brilliant star of QB Justin Herbert. The estate will want to capitalize on Herbert’s play. As such, they will hire a new coach who will maximize Herbert’s talents and start winning games.
Los Angeles Chargers Head Coach Candidates
Here are the names you should know for Chargers’ primary coaching position.
Brian Daboll, offensive coordinator for Buffalo Bills
Although Anthony Lynn was also the coach of Bills at one point, Brian DabollAllen’s creativity and development in Buffalo make him stand out among Chargers’ head coach candidates. Bill’s attack is currently the second in a pass attack, the seventh in total attack and the sixth in score per game. Bills are fifth in offensive DVOA and third in passing DVOA.
Herbert’s features resemble Josh Allen’s. If Daboll was so successful with Allen, it is likely that he can repeat that with Justin Herbert. The ultimate goal of the next Chargers coach will be to make Justin Herbert one of the best in the game. Daboll proved that he can do just that.
Daboll was part of several winning cultures. He started by winning Super Bowls in New England and won NCAA championships with Alabama before being signed by Buffalo. His pedigree is among the best in the country, and I hope he is the Chargers’ main coach candidate. To provide even more connections, Daboll and Chargers GM Tom Telesco did high school together. It must be the first call from the porters.
Arthur Smith, Tennessee Titans Offensive Coordinator
Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith may also be at stake. Smith is credited with resurrecting Ryan Tannehill’s Tennessee career. Smith has moved up the ranks with the Titans and is now reaping the rewards. General manager Tom Telesco must be familiar with Smith, as Smith worked for the Titans while Telesco was in Indianapolis.
Once again, the Chargers will seek to do everything around Herbert. As such, arresting quality offensive players will be a priority. While Smith has only called up moves for two seasons, the Titans became one of the best attacks in the NFL while he was in charge. With a young quarterback already on the squad and many weapons around him, Smith’s potential advantage can be tremendous.
Matt Eberflus, Indianapolis Colts Defense Coordinator
What if the Chargers decide to look for a defensive head coach candidate? Tom Telesco originally worked for the Colts before coming to the Chargers. Thus, Colts’ defensive coordinator, Matt Eberflus, can be a name connected to work through the Telesco 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 25th last season. The Colts are currently eighth in the defensive DVOA. An update on that side of the ball can lead to a better record.
If that happens, the team can promote QB coach Pep Hamilton to the OC. Hamilton also worked for the Colts during Andrew Luck’s early years in Indianapolis. Hamilton was the main developer for Justin Herbert and is already very comfortable with him.
Other candidates who could dispute the Chargers
Eric Bieniemy, Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Coordinator
Joe Brady, offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers
Byron Leftwich, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator
Don “Wink” Martindale, Baltimore Ravens Defense Coordinator
Brandon Staley, Defense Coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams