The Cleveland Browns interviewed an unexpected candidate over the weekend, bringing in former Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn.
The Browns brought in Lynn — their 10th candidate — after what had been a relatively quiet period in the coaching search. Josina Anderson first reported the interview and the Browns made an official announcement on Sunday.
“Last night, we completed a head coach interview with Anthony Lynn,” the Browns said in the post.
He joins Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski and Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase as candidates to replace Kevin Stefanski.
Lynn is currently the Washington Commanders run game coordinator/running backs coach. He brings extensive NFL coaching experience, including four seasons as an NFL head coach and multiple stops as an offensive assistant and running backs coach.
Prior to landing with the Commanders, he served as the San Francisco 49ers’ assistant head coach/running backs coach from 2022-23, following a stint as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator in 2021. Lynn previously led the Los Angeles Chargers from 2017-20, guiding the team to a 12-4 season and a playoff berth in 2018. His earlier coaching stops include the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys. He also spent two seasons with the Cleveland Browns as running backs coach from 2007-08.
Lynn played nine seasons in the NFL as a running back and won two Super Bowls during his time with the Broncos.
Anthony Lynn Interview Important for Browns
There’s little sense that Lynn is a serious contender for the job in Cleveland. But his interview still served an important purpose: it helped the Browns satisfy the Rooney Rule.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted that former Chargers general manager Tom Telesco is consulting the Browns during the coaching search, which may have been why Lynn decided to interview.
“Former Chargers GM Tom Telesco is working for the Browns as a consultant during their coaching search, and Telesco and Lynn worked together in Los Angeles,” Schefter said. “Lynn also coached Cleveland’s running backs coach 2007-2008.”
With the Rooney Rule box now checked, Cleveland is expected to be fully compliant to hire its next head coach once it completes its interview with Nate Scheelhaase, who is slated to meet with the team on Monday following the Rams’ appearance in the NFC Championship Game. If Scheelhaase emerges as the top choice — and Los Angeles advances — Cleveland would be unable to officially hire him until after the Super Bowl.
Browns Coaching Search Has Been ‘Data-Driven’
The Browns have been utilizing a unique process during their coaching interviews, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
“The Browns’ search process and interview process, which they have run a number of times, is unlike any other in the NFL,” Pelissero said. “And it plays to certain types of candidates. They are a data-driven operation in Cleveland, and so they spend an extraordinary amount of time gathering data on their coaching candidates.
“You’re talking about taking a personality test. You’re talking about writing an essay. You’re talking about completing homework assignments going into both the first and the second rounds of interviews. It plays toward the types of candidates that they have in the mix.”
At the end, the Browns plan to find a candidate who can help change the momentum in Cleveland after eight wins over the past two seasons.
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