Archives for January 13, 2017

'The newest Los Angeles franchise is currently in negotiations with Bills interim head coach and offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn, a source said Thursday evening. This is the latest layer to an atmospheric rise for the 48-year-old, who began 2016 as Buffalo’s running backs coach, became its offensive coordinator in September and then interim coach in late December.'

'If you're a Bills fan, you're going to love him. Buffalo just lost Rex Ryan as its head coach — a good guy in his own right, but the polar opposite of McDermott personality-wise — and replaced him with the most humble guy you could ever meet.'

'Roman returns to the Ravens after serving as the team's assistant offensive line coach from 2006-07. He's built a reputation for building a sound running game, a deficiency for Baltimore this season.'

'This is a major step up for Lynn, who has never been a head coach nor a coordinator until this season.'

'"I am very excited to join the Ravens' staff and help coach (John) Harbaugh and Marty Mornhinweg in any way I can," Roman said. "The building blocks are there for this team, and we're all looking forward to being better. I've been with the Ravens before and know firsthand what a great organization they have. My family and I are happy to be back."'

'"There's no foundation, no truth to this dysfunctional talk. I consider it an insult to our organization and the Bills and the good people with the Sabres. They can't be real happy to hear that."'

'In one season with the Ravens, Frazier was instrumental in helping improve the defensive backfield. Baltimore ranked ninth in pass defense and had a league-high 18 interceptions.'

'Lynn also interviewed for the Los Angeles Rams' and Bills' head-coaching vacancies. He was elevated from running backs coach to offensive coordinator in Buffalo two games into the 2016 season when then-head coach Rex Ryan fired offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Lynn then took over for Ryan for the final game of the season when Bills owner Terry Pegula fired Ryan.'

'In his first season with the Bills, Roman was the playcaller for the NFL's top-ranked ground game, which averaged 152 yards per game and scored 19 touchdowns. LeSean McCoy and Karlos Williams combined for 1,412 rushing yards and 11 runs over 20 yards.'

'With Frazier Buffalo bound, it means Holcomb will likely stay in place as the team’s linebackers coach. The Panthers are also expected to promote defensive backs coach Steve Wilks to defensive coordinator, meaning the lone vacancy on the staff to fill with be Wilks’ old secondary coach position.'

'Lynn became known for quickly establishing the Bills as one of the NFL's best running teams this season, orienting the team's offense around the skill set of LeSean McCoy. Armed with Melvin Gordon and a strong run-blocking offensive line, it's fair to expect a similar system in Los Angeles, but before the Lynn hire, La Canfora reported that offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt and the majority of his staff was expected to be retained by whoever was brought aboard.'

'Roman has been known for using a lot of motion and power running in his offenses, which Alex Smith, Colin Kaepernick and Tyrod Taylor employed with varying degrees of success during his years in San Francisco and Buffalo.'

'All of it is enough to make one wonder if Lynn was the Chargers’ first choice, or if he was the first choice among those coaches willing to deal with all this. Other candidates confirmed by the club were Teryl Austin, Matt Patricia, Dave Toub, Mike Smith and McDermott.'

'Frazier was the Vikings interim head coach in 2010, then had the full time job from 2011-2013, compiling a 21-32-1 record. He was the Philadelphia Eagles secondary coach from 1999-2002 where he was on the same staff as McDermott. Frazier has also worked for the Bengals, Colts, and Buccaneers.'

'McDermott runs a 4-3 defense, a shift from the 3-4 hybrid look Rex Ryan ran for the past two years in Buffalo. Three seasons ago, under Jim Schwartz, the Bills ran a 4-3 defense and finished 4th in yards allowed, 3rd against the pass, 11th against the run, led the league in sacks, and were highly ranked in several other statistical categories. Several key players from that season are still on the roster, but there’s also been some change. So, let’s look at the Bills current roster and where certain players would likely fit. Of course, it’s only January and there’s a lot of change possibly still ahead, including free agency and the draft…'.