Jets assistant Lynn has offensive coordinator job interviews lined up
Jets running backs coach Anthony Lynn looks on from the sidelines during a preseason game against the Detroit Lions in Detroit. (Aug. 9, 2013) Credit: AP
Anthony Lynn is keeping his options open.
While the Jets' front office is focused on finding a new coach to replace Rex Ryan, their running backs coach is garnering a lot of interest from around the NFL.
According to a source, Lynn will interview with the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars for their vacant offensive coordinator jobs. He'll meet with the Jags this weekend and then interview with the Browns in Mobile, Alabama, on Tuesday during the Senior Bowl week.
Lynn was one of only four assistants who were given two-year deals after the Jets' 2013 season. But following the firings of both Ryan and general manager John Idzik, the coaching staff was told they could pursue other opportunities.
Lynn has history with both the Jags and Browns. He was the running backs coach in Jacksonville in 2003-04 and held the same position with the Browns in 2007-08. A two-time Super Bowl champion while on the Broncos' staff, Lynn joined the Jets in 2009 when Ryan became coach.
Ryan, who was fired on Dec. 29 after a 4-12 season, was officially named the new coach of the Buffalo Bills on Monday and will hold his first news conference Wednesday. Lynn could join him in Buffalo, along with Jets defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman and linebackers coach Jeff Weeks.
The Bills announced Tuesday that the contract of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has been terminated. Thurman, one of Ryan's closest friends, will most likely serve as the Bills' new defensive coordinator.
"I have the utmost respect for Jim and what he has been able to accomplish throughout his career and I know he feels the same about me," Ryan said in a statement issued by the team. "Jim's defenses are always tough and ranked near the top of the league standings. I wanted to give Jim the opportunity to pursue other opportunities and so we have terminated his contract. He did a terrific job with the Bills' defense this past year and our plan is for our defense to continue to play well and be a dominating force."
The Bills finished fourth overall in total defense, third in turnovers forced and first in sacks this season.
