The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Chargers hire Lynn as coach, reports say
A day after announcing their relocation to Los Angeles, the Chargers hired Anthony Lynn as their new head coach, NFL Media and other news outlets reported.
The former Bills interim coach and offensive coordinator reportedly agreed to a four-year deal, although the club has yet to announce the hire. The Chargers dismissed Mike McCoy after a four-year tenure and another last-place finish in the AFC West.
Just four months ago, Lynn was working under Bills offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Rex Ryan fired Roman and promoted Lynn after two early losses, and then Lynn took over when Rex was fired before Week 17.
Lynn, who has not been a head coach on any level, will not only have to learn how to run an organization, he will have to do it as the Chargers pack up and move.
The team will play in the 30,000-seat StubHub Center in Carson for two seasons before it moves in with the Rams in Inglewood in 2019.
Packers: Receiver Jordy Nelson will miss Green Bay’s divisional round playoff game on Sunday against the Cowboys because of injured ribs. Coach Mike McCarthy said Nelson would not be cleared for the team’s final practice today, and the medical staff determined he would not be ready for the game.
Nelson had an NFL-high 14 touchdown catches in the regular season as quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ top target in a prolific passing attack. He was hurt in the second quarter of the Packers’ wild-card win last weekend against the Giants.
McCarthy said Nelson’s status moving forward will be determined on Monday if Green Bay advances to the NFC title game.
Bills: New coach Sean McDermott ushered in the post-Rex Ryan era by making no bold promises in his vision to restore relevance to a franchise in the midst of a 17-year playoff drought.
McDermott was short and to the point during his inaugural news conference on Friday. The 42-year-old firsttime head coach said he’s familiar with the challenges of rebuilding defenses, and is leaning on his 18 years of NFL experience.
“I understand the expectations that come with a job of this magnitude,” he said.
Rams: Sean McVay plans to answer every question about his youth and inexperience by building a winner in Los Angeles. The Rams introduced the 30-year-old McVay as the youngest head coach in modern NFL history Friday. The former Washington offensive coordinator made no guarantees for a franchise with 13 straight non-winning seasons, but vowed to create a team built on character and hard work.
Longtime NFL coach Wade Phillips is reportedly finalizing a deal to become McVay’s defensive coordinator.
Bucs: Signed defensive coordinator Mike Smith to a contract extension, ending speculation about where the former Falcons head coach might wind up next season. Smith recently spoke with the Jaguars and the Chargers about their head coaching vacancies.
Panthers: Promoted Steve Wilks to defensive coordinator, replacing Sean McDermott, who left to become the head coach of the Bills. Wilks has served as the Panthers defensive backs coach the past five seasons.