ORCHARD PARK, NY — The Buffalo Bills officially completed a head coaching interview with Anthony Lynn on Saturday, marking a significant step in the franchise’s search to replace Sean McDermott. Lynn, currently the run game coordinator for the Washington Commanders, returns to a familiar orbit in Western New York as the Bills look to stabilize a locker room reeling from a 33-30 overtime divisional round exit against Denver.
A Familiar Face in a New Search
Lynn isn’t just another name on a list; he is a bridge to Buffalo’s past. Having served as the team’s interim head coach in 2016 and a finalist for the full-time gig in 2017, Lynn understands the unique pressure of the 716. During his previous stint, the Bills offense hummed, leading the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns. After a 33-31 four-season run as the Chargers’ head man, Lynn spent the last two years refining Washington’s ground attack. His arrival at Highmark Stadium for the interview signals that Terry Pegula and Brandon Beane are prioritizing veteran leadership and a “steady hand” to guide Josh Allen through the next phase of his career.
The atmosphere at One Bills Drive is noticeably different this week. While the wind whipped across the practice fields at a biting 15 mph, the focus inside was purely on the future. Lynn’s interview follows a busy week where the Bills also spoke with offensive coordinator Joe Brady and former Giants coach Brian Daboll. The organization appears to be casting a wide net, balancing internal continuity with external experience.
“I’ve always had a ton of respect for the way Anthony carries himself. He’s a leader of men, plain and simple. He knows this building, and he knows what it takes to win in this league when the weather turns and the stakes get high.”
— Anonymous NFL Executive
Playoff Implications and the Road Ahead
The Bills are at a crossroads. After nine seasons of McDermott’s “process,” the mandate is now “Super Bowl or bust.” Hiring Lynn would signal a shift toward a more physical, run-heavy identity to complement Allen’s arm talent—a philosophy that mirrors the successful 49ers and Lions models Lynn has studied recently. If the Bills pull the trigger on Lynn, the Commanders would receive two third-round compensatory picks, adding another layer of intrigue to the NFL’s coaching carousel.
Buffalo’s search remains fluid. While fan-favorite candidates like Philip Rivers have also interviewed, Lynn’s 98-50 regular-season familiarity with winning cultures makes him a formidable contender. The team expects to narrow down their finalists by the end of the week as the league moves toward Super Bowl LX.
