The Washington Commanders have removed both coordinators. They are still seeking a defensive guru to lead this struggling unit, but they settled on promoting David Blough to replace Kliff Kingsbury pretty quickly.
Blough has no play-calling résumé to call upon. It's a shot in the dark for Washington, but the former quarterback is highly regarded around the league. Even so, the Commanders need some experience on the coaching staff to help him through this critical transition.
Unfortunately for the Commanders, they may be closer than ever to losing arguably their most accomplished coach under Blough.
Commanders could lose Anthony Lynn as head-coaching interest grows
It came relatively late in the process, but run game coordinator/running backs coach Anthony Lynn has received interest in the head-coaching role. The Buffalo Bills have interviewed him after firing Sean McDermott. This was swiftly followed by an interview request from the Cleveland Browns, who are in desperate need of a culture setter after parting ways with Kevin Stefanski.
Lynn has been a head coach before. He's a strong leader of men who's revered by almost every player he's coached. The Bills might have something bigger in mind, but the Browns' list of potential candidates is shrinking by the day.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski has withdrawn himself from consideration in Cleveland. He's not the first, either, which only increases Lynn's chances of getting their top job.
There are only four left who've interviewed with Cleveland who remain in play. Lynn is one. Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is another. Former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken and Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase are the others. It's a diverse group with varying qualities, but there is just no telling how the dysfunctional AFC North club will go.
The Commanders will be awaiting further developments. They will have a list of replacements ready to go if, or when, Lynn departs. Washington won't want to lose someone boasting his accomplishments, but there is nothing they can do if he does enough to secure a long-awaited promotion.
Cleveland needs stability. This downtrodden franchise needs a leader capable of rejuvenating a talented yet underperforming roster. They may go for a young offensive mind. They may keep continuity by elevating Schwartz's responsibilities. But of all the candidates remaining, Lynn could be the guy most capable of turning things around.
It'll be fascinating to see if Lynn gets a head-coaching job. For Blough and the Commanders' sake, let's hope that's not the case.