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."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Chargers signing former 49ers, Cowboys QB Trey Lance
All that talk about Trey Lance potentially heading north of the border can now be put to rest. Despite the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League adding him to their negotiation list, Lance is staying in the NFL. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Los... -
49ers Brandon Aiyuk trade: Why moving him now makes sense—and why it doesn't
The 49ers' return window for Brandon Aiyuk closes April 1, offering the Niners one final opportunity to trade him and move on from a contract decision they reportedly never wanted to make. No, it's not April Fools, but it sure feels a lot like Groundhog Day. Just months after... -
49ers Named As Potential Trade Destination for All-Pro DE Trey Hendrickson
As higher-profile contract talks continue between the San Francisco 49ers and quarterback Brock Purdy, the team is still putting in plenty of time looking at ways to upgrade their defensive line, which (like the rest of the 49ers' defensive unit) struggled mightily in... -
Lance Zierlein mock draft: 49ers upgrade O-line with three-year starter
NFL analyst Lance Zierlein has released his third mock draft of the year for NFL.com, projecting the San Francisco 49ers to address what many see as one of their biggest needs heading into the 2025 season—the offensive line. With the draft just weeks away, the 49ers have...