Former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn didn't anticipate remaining with the team after coach Dan Campbell took over the play-calling duties from him last season. It didn't take him long to find a new NFL home.
The 49ers hired Lynn to serve as the assistant head coach to Kyle Shanahan. Lynn returns to the 49ers, having spent two seasons (1995-96) as a running back for the team. He also remains close with the Shanahan family, having also played for Mike Shanahan in Denver.
Lynn recently spoke with Justin Rogers of The Detroit News (h/t Taylor Wirth of NBC Sports). The coach discussed his transition from the Lions to Shanahan's coaching staff, sharing his opinion of last year's No. 3 overall pick, Trey Lance.
Most expect Lance to replace Jimmy Garoppolo as the 49ers' starting quarterback next season. San Francisco will likely trade Garoppolo before the start of the new league year on March 16. Lynn had positive things to say about Lance during his conversation with The Detroit News.
"Just watching him in college, he's big, strong, he's intelligent, and he extends plays," Lynn told Rogers. "In this league right now, I've said if you're not Tom Brady or Peyton Manning—a guy that can stand back there and pick you apart, know where you're going with the football before the ball is even snapped—you better have someone that can move around a little bit and get away from these 4.4[-second] defensive ends.
"These guys are not 300 pounds running 5.0 flat anymore. These guys are like the Von Millers of the world. You need a quarterback that can create a little bit in those situations. It's big-time like that to have a guy like that on your team."
Some have speculated that Lynn's arrival in the Bay Area may open the door for the signing of quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who played two seasons (2019-20) for Lynn. The two were also together in Buffalo. Assuming Garoppolo is traded, a capable veteran like Taylor serving as Lance's backup makes sense.
Rogers also asked Lynn about his former team, the Lions, and what they might do in free agency or the draft. The coach was very honest in his response, focused on the future, not the past.
"Well, that ain't my problem anymore," Lynn said. "I'm just worried about what the 49ers are going to do now."
