Anthony Lynn is safe, for now. The Chargers head coach is on the hot seat, but the Bolts plan to evaluate their head coach after the season is through (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). 
Things aren’t looking great for Lynn after the Bolts were blanked 45-0 by the Patriots on Sunday. The home loss dropped them to 3-9 and, unless they finish on a much stronger note, Lynn probably won’t see a fifth season in L.A.
Out of respect for Lynn, the Chargers plan to at least let him finish out the season. He’s widely regarded in the building (and across the league) and it was just two years ago that he guided the club to a 12-4 finish. This year, the Chargers were cautiously optimistic about their prospects with Tyrod Taylor serving as the bridge to No. 6 overall pick Justin Herbert. Up until Sunday, Herbert exceeded all expectations. Unfortunately, the Chargers have blown several potential wins, thanks in part to iffy play-calling.
The Chargers haven’t canned a coach midway through the season in more than 20 years. They plan to keep it that way, even after Sunday’s debacle.
Evaluation: he needs to go!
He got put in a tough situation with the decision to go with Herbert and Taylor. Thst was a disaster waiting to happen.
His team has underperformed but also had several close losses.
Not tough to see the Herbert has far exceeded expectations. Also not tough to see that coaching has been highly suspect. Lynn has himself on the hot seat, despite Herbert’s efforts to lift the team.
I think it’s fair to question why they’ve had several close losses and what role the Head Coach has played in those losses.
The Chargers have to be careful they don’t hinder Herbert’s development by making coaching changes every year. That’s basically why it took Tannehill so long to succeed. I’d be inclined to retain Lynn for another season. If he struggles in 2021 against the inept NFC East teams then he has to be replaced.
imo, Tannehill is not markedly different from when he was with the Dolphins and his development was not really hindered. It’s just that he was surrounded by bad players and bad coaching.
Now, he has possibly the best RB in football, a great OL, and good coaching.
In other words, I don’t think ‘consistency’ in coaching makes as much of a difference as ‘good’ coaching and a great supporting cast does.
Great points! Now do you think Sam Darnold sucks or is it coaching and supporting cast? I don’t watch the Jets games so I’m not sure what combo is bringing up an 0’fer season.
In 2021, Darnold will join the ever-growing list of players whose performance dramatically improves once they get away from the coaching clown Adam Gase.
Kiss of death
Chargers have their QB. What every QB needs is continuity. While Lynn may not be the answer they need to keep the system the same for Herbert.
Chargers main issue is defense this year. And special teams has been an eye sore for years.
They need Derwin James back.
Melvin Ingram and Hunter Henry are FAs.
Step 1: you need replacements either in FA or draft for them.
Jacob Hollister or Jordan Reed would be a good TE2 option, maybe Gerald Everett.
Might have to look to draft pass rusher to replace Ingram.
Step 2: LT. They need to find an upgrade at LT.
Step 3: LBs and depth on defense.
Last year they traded back into the 1st round to get Murray.
Chargers need to trade back and grab extra draft picks in this year’s draft.
This is the most accurate assessment in these comments. I would add two things, however: the Chargers need another running back and help on special teams coaching-wise. Ekeler is a nice piece, but Lynn has been most successful with a rotation and Ekeler is not an every down back, despite his versatility. Special teams has also cost the Chargers a couple of close games this year, between missed kicks and bad field positioning.
As far as Lynn goes, he does need severely to work on his clock management. But thinking that firing him is going to actually help with these issues is wishful thinking. The Chargers have issues, but Anthony Lynn is not the source of them and still provides them with positive contributions.
Lynn is an absolute joke of a head coach. Great guy…. good character….. terrible head coach. That being said, he will be back again next year. Ownership LOVES being involved in the football decisions, roster moves, scouting, etc…. and Lynn is easily controlled and a “yes man”. Chargers owners don’t want a coach who will want to do things his own way
I guess that eliminates J Harbaugh leaving UM for LA then?
Yes Harbaugh has just been fantastic for Michigan….
The fact
That if it was t for a doctors error we’d never know how good Herbert is, should be an automatic firing for this clown f’r.
Yeah, Belichick should be fired for having to use an injury to find out about Brady…
Maybe it’s the beard
The good news for the chargers tho is that Lynn was never a great coach, so really if you look at 2020 as a whole you’ll find it went alright.
I mean you found your future QB in Herbert who looks nice, your going to get a new coach and because you didn’t win many games your going to have some good picks. Not sure what the salary cap situation looks like but with a rookie QB your going to save a little so hopefully you can get some upgrades in FA and you’ll suprise many next season with a positive record
And in come Harbaugh back to the west coast