The Washington Commanders’ offseason is already buzzing with activity, as coaching changes and rumors swirl around the franchise. Just days after the Commanders promoted David Blough to offensive coordinator—a move that raised eyebrows due to his lack of experience in the role—the team now faces the potential departure of one of its most seasoned and respected staff members, Anthony Lynn. The Buffalo Bills have officially requested to interview Lynn for their vacant head coaching position, sending shockwaves through both organizations and igniting a flurry of speculation about what comes next.
This isn’t the first time Anthony Lynn has been in the Buffalo spotlight. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Lynn was a finalist for the Bills’ head coaching job back in 2017, a role that ultimately went to Sean McDermott. "Former Bills assistant head coach and current Commanders run game coordinator Anthony Lynn — a finalist for the Buffalo head coaching job in 2017 that went to Sean McDermott — is scheduled to interview for the Bills head coach job Saturday, per a league source. Back in 2017, Lynn landed the Chargers head coaching job instead and posted a 33-31 record in the midst of the team’s relocation to LA. Since then, Lynn has studied under coaches such as Dan Campbell, Kyle Shanahan and Dan Quinn," reported Schefter.
Now, with McDermott out after another disappointing playoff exit, the Bills are casting a wide net in their search for a new leader. Joe Brady, Buffalo’s current offensive coordinator, is widely seen as the favorite. Yet, the Bills’ decision to reach out to Lynn signals a desire for a proven, steady hand—someone who’s already navigated the pressures of being a head coach in the NFL and who brings a wealth of experience from some of the league’s top coaching minds.
For the Commanders, the timing couldn’t be more precarious. Their offensive coaching staff is, by all accounts, green. David Blough is stepping into the offensive coordinator role for the first time, and the rest of the offensive staff is made up of recently promoted, relatively young coaches. The quarterback and offensive line coaches are both in their early 30s, and neither group boasts much in the way of NFL experience. In this context, Anthony Lynn’s presence has been a stabilizing factor—a veteran voice who’s seen it all, from Super Bowl runs to franchise relocations and everything in between.
If Lynn were to leave for Buffalo, the Commanders would lose the last remaining offensive coach on their staff with legitimate head coaching experience. The potential impact on the development of young players and the implementation of new offensive schemes can’t be overstated. As one league insider put it, “The last thing Blough probably wants is Lynn departing the Commanders before his first season as a play-caller. But it’s a lot likelier than you might think.”
Yet, there’s a silver lining for Washington. Thanks to the NFL’s Rooney Rule, which incentivizes the development and hiring of minority candidates for head coaching and executive positions, the Commanders would receive a third-round compensatory pick in both the 2026 and 2027 NFL Drafts if Lynn is hired by the Bills. For a team that’s been starved of draft capital for two consecutive offseasons—and one that doesn’t have any high-value players to trade for picks—this compensation would be a welcome boost. Draft picks are the lifeblood of any rebuilding franchise, and extra selections in the middle rounds can make all the difference when it comes to adding depth and future stars.
“Losing Lynn would hurt with a very inexperienced offensive coaching staff heading into next year, but the Commanders would be rewarded two third-round picks out of it, and we all know how key those picks are,” noted a team source familiar with Washington’s front office thinking. The Commanders’ general manager, Adam Peters, is already facing an uphill battle to restock the roster, and every extra pick helps.
Of course, nothing is set in stone. The Bills have also requested interviews with other candidates, including Brian Daboll and Lou Anarumo, as they weigh their options for the future. There’s also the matter of Joe Brady, who remains the internal favorite and could ultimately land the job. However, the fact that the Bills are looking outside their building and considering someone with Lynn’s resume suggests they’re open to a significant philosophical shift.
Anthony Lynn’s journey through the NFL has been nothing short of remarkable. After serving as an assistant head coach and running backs coach for several teams, he finally got his shot as a head coach with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017. Over four seasons, he compiled a 33-31 record—no small feat considering the franchise’s tumultuous move from San Diego to Los Angeles during his tenure. Since then, Lynn has continued to refine his craft, working under respected head coaches like Dan Campbell in Detroit, Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco, and Dan Quinn in Dallas. Each stop has added new wrinkles to his coaching philosophy, making him an even more attractive candidate for teams seeking stability and innovation.
For the Commanders, the prospect of losing Lynn is daunting, especially as they continue to search for a new defensive coordinator under head coach Dan Quinn. The organization has prioritized internal promotions this offseason, hoping to foster alignment and fresh ideas. Still, the risk of inexperience looms large, and the potential loss of Lynn would only amplify those concerns. As one observer put it, “It’s a gamble that could go either way.”
Meanwhile, the Bills are under pressure to make the right hire. Their Super Bowl window remains open, but recent playoff disappointments have left fans and ownership hungry for a new direction. Bringing in a coach like Lynn, who’s already familiar with the organization and has a proven track record, could be just the spark Buffalo needs to get over the hump. On the other hand, sticking with an in-house candidate like Brady might offer continuity and comfort, but perhaps less upside in terms of experience and leadership.
As the weekend approaches, all eyes will be on Buffalo as they conduct their interview with Lynn. The Commanders, for their part, are preparing for every scenario, knowing that the outcome could have ripple effects throughout their entire organization. Whether Lynn stays in Washington or heads north to Buffalo, one thing is certain: the NFL coaching carousel is spinning faster than ever, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for both franchises.
For now, the situation remains fluid. The Commanders are bracing for possible change, while the Bills weigh their options in a critical offseason. Fans of both teams will have to wait just a little longer to see how the next chapter unfolds—but one thing’s for sure, the drama is far from over.