Commanders could lose a coveted Dan Quinn assistant as rumor mill swirls

Fans are bracing themselves for changes across the Washington Commanders this offseason. And this won't just be on the playing side.

Rumors are swirling that the Commanders are also planning significant alterations to the coaching staff. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. will likely be fired, and speculation is rising that Washington will move on from offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury — whether he gets a head-coaching job or not — due to a disconnect behind the scenes with general manager Adam Peters.

That's going to cause a ripple effect, and smoke is rising about run game coordinator/running backs coach Anthony Lynn being among the first to depart once Washington's regular-season finale at the Philadelphia Eagles is in the books.

Anthony Lynn could be heading for Commanders exit as wild rumor surfaces

Lynn is a respected coach with proven credentials. He's worked wonders with the likes of Chris Rodriguez Jr. and seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt en route to both becoming prominent features in the backfield. Other opportunities are now being discussed, and his Wikipedia page suggests a move is imminent.

Now, take Wikipedia for what it's worth. This could be nothing more than wishful thinking from a Penn State Nittany Lions fan who wants Lynn to join new head coach Matt Campbell. However, it's something to monitor in the coming days.

And especially considering D'Anton Lynn — his son — has just been named as the Nittany Lions' defensive coordinator.

One would have expected Lynn to be a candidate for the offensive coordinator job in Washington if Kingsbury departed. He's got vast experience, is already connected to the players, and is a born leader of men. But if he has already decided to make the move to Penn State, that would represent a significant coup for the program as it aims for brighter fortunes.

Lynn may be getting ahead of the game amid so much uncertainty. He's done a fantastic job in Washington, but he might feel this is a good time to start fresh and embrace a new challenge with college players who are hungry and eager to learn, and who will hang on his every word.

Standing pat is not an option for the Commanders. Quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard has already left to become Stanford's head coach. More will be on the way — whether enforced or by their own accord. Quinn would probably like to keep Lynn around, but he's not going to stop anyone who doesn't want to be in Washington from leaving. And certainly not for an opportunity to work with his son.

Time will tell. But this out-of-the-blue development is a little too random not to have something of substance attached.