By HCR Staff | December 18, 2020
Let’s get this out of the way fast: It is not in doubt that Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn has difficulty managing games. His record in one-score games is abysmal, and no one knows if he can get better.
On the flip side of the coin, however, is his development of rookie quarterback Justin Herbert. Herbert is having a historic rookie season, and it’s happening on Lynn’s watch.
The quandary for Chargers’ owner Dean Spanos is that if he fires Lynn and his staff, Herbert will have to start over with a new coach, and potentially a new system. Given that 2021 OTAs may also be in jeopardy for every NFL team, this isn’t ideal.
Herbert is a tremendously exciting prospect, and it can be argued that to a significant degree, he’s as physically gifted as Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, so he’s got to be handled with great care.
The mojo Herbert has with Lynn and offensive coordinator Shane Steichen is working – that much is clear. But Lynn doesn’t necessarily work with the rest of the team.
So what should Spanos do? Eliminate the current mojo and assume it can be replicated with a new staff? Can it be that easy?
Or should he keep Lynn, but force Lynn to bring an assistant head coach aboard that helps Lynn get better as a game manager?
Even though they’re 5-9, the Chargers still have a lot of talent on this squad. From that standpoint, they’re not far away. The only issue has been game management (and special teams).
This call may be tougher for Spanos than it looks. Lynn is very likeable, and his players always have played hard for him. If he finishes with a four-game winning streak, we think it’s likely he’s back in 2021.
