Buffalo Bills: Is Anthony Lynn the Right Man to Replace Rex Ryan?
By Paul Taylor
According to NFL Networks’ Ian Rapport, Anthony Lynn could be in line to become Buffalo Bills head coach, but is he the solution to 17 years of ineptitude?
Officially speaking at least, the Buffalo Bills insist no decision has been made yet about the future of Rex Ryan. However, I’m sure most of us can agree he’s had his chance, and failed miserably.
People can criticize Tyrod Taylor and the offense all they like. However, the fact remains the Bills have lost on six occasions this season, when Taylor has led the team to 24 or more points.
That is not a manipulation of any statistics – its factual. Win even half of those games, and the Bills are well-place to end their longest current playoff drought in North American professional sports.
Pure and simple, Ryan’s reputation as a defensive guru has meant nothing during his tenure in Buffalo. He effectively ruined a unit which was ranked fourth in points and yards allowed, before he arrived.
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With all this in mind, it leads to the question of who will replace Ryan? As we reported recently, one candidate appears to be former New York Giants‘ head coach, Tom Coughlin.
However, another name in the mix for the Bills’ head coaching role, is current offensive coordinator, Anthony Lynn. At least that’s the case, according to Ian Rapport.
The NFL Network insider reports that part of the reason behind any decision for the Bills to move on from Ryan, will come down to their desire to keep Lynn. The 48-year old is expected to get interviews as a head coach candidate, and the front office do not want him to jump ship.
Of course, this leads to the question of if Lynn is head-coaching material, or better-suited at his current level? In truth, as is usually the case in situations like this, you cannot know for sure, until someone is actually in such a position.
However, the McKinney, Texas native has certainly caught the attention of teams around the NFL, since he became offensive coordinator for the Bills. Taking over from the fired Greg Roman, he has overseen an offense which leads the NFL in rushing, which is in keeping with his “ground and pound” philosophy.
Understandably, critics will point to the inconsistent play of Taylor, as a blight against Lynn’s head coaching credentials. However, the quarterback’s development hasn’t been helped by significant injury issues at the wide receiver position.
Interestingly, the former Denver Broncos‘ player has already been in a similar position, having interviewed for the New York Jets‘ head coaching role after Ryan left. When he did not get the position, he followed Ryan to Buffalo.
You imagine there being mixed feelings among Bills’ fans, about the idea of their offensive coordinator taking over as head coach. However, there has been a similar sentiment surrounding the possibility of Coughlin, and he’s won a couple of Super Bowls.
Overall, assuming Lynn is actually in the running, it will be interesting to see how the scenario plays out. All we do know is, after 17 years with no playoff football, the Bills’ front office is searching desperately for a solution.
Next: Tom Coughlin to replace Rex Ryan?
Do you believe Ryan’s fate is sealed in Buffalo, or do you still think there’s a slight chance he will survive? Assuming he is gone, would you be on board with Anthony Lynn taking over as head coach? Share your thoughts in the comments section.