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NFL Coach Power Rankings: Where Jay Gruden fits in among the 32 coaches

By Jacob Camenker

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 29: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins talks with quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 29, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/ Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 29: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins talks with quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 29, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/ Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 10: Head coach Anthony Lynn of the Los Angeles Chargers signals in the second quarter against the Washington Redskins on December 10, 2017 at StubHub Center in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 10: Head coach Anthony Lynn of the Los Angeles Chargers signals in the second quarter against the Washington Redskins on December 10, 2017 at StubHub Center in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /

player. 13. . Head Coach. Los Angeles Chargers. Anthony Lynn. 13

Anthony Lynn was one of the rookie head coaches from last season who doesn’t get the buzz he deserves. While many focus on the quality hired candidates from the NFC West, Lynn quietly made a name for himself during the Chargers’ first season in Los Angeles.

Last season, Lynn was able to post a 9-7 record in his first season as head coach. His offense was a top 10 unit while his defense was a bend-but-don’t-break unit focused on keeping scoring to a minimum, hence their No. 3 overall scoring defense. They just missed out on the playoffs, but that is frankly remarkable considering what they were dealing with on their roster.

Much like the Redskins, the Chargers suffered countless key injuries during the 2017 campaign. They ended the year wit 11 players on IR, but they also spent a good chunk of the season without key starting linebacker Denzel Perryman. Their offensive line was also a banged up mess, so it’s amazing that Lynn was able to field a strong offense and improve what had previously been a woeful Chargers running game.

That’s the area that Lynn really excels in. During his lone season as the Bills’ offensive coordinator, he was able to help the Bills achieve the NFL’s top run offense, and that helped to mask the passing deficiencies of then-quarterback Tyrod Taylor. With another season of working with a fully healthy Melvin Gordon, Lynn could get the offense to take the next step.

On both sides of the ball, Lynn did a great job of bringing on talented coaches to work with his players. Notably, getting Gus Bradley to run the team’s 3-4 defense was a huge get, and he worked his magic this past season. Lynn was also smart to keep Ken Whisenhunt on as the offensive coordinator, given what Philip Rivers has accomplished under his tutelage.

Lynn is a quality player caller, a good motivator, and has the quality offensive mind that should allow him to succeed with the Chargers. If he can get Rivers to continue to play well and the defense keeps humming, the Chargers could be a sleeper to make the Super Bowl in the AFC. Of course, all this depends on whether or not the team can stay healthy.

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