:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/52728845/usa_today_9791763.0.jpg)
After the Los Angeles Rams announced the hiring of Sean McVay as their new head coach earlier in the day, the San Diego Los Angeles Chargers soon followed suit. Thursday evening, reports surfaced that they will hire Anthony Lynn, former Bills offensive coordinator and interim head coach, as their new coach.
Per source, the Chargers are now negotiating a deal to make Anthony Lynn their new head coach.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 13, 2017
*LA Chargers - (this might take a bit to get used to) - in contract negotiations to make Anthony Lynn its next head coach.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 13, 2017
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin had interviewed for the Chargers job, along with five other candidates, but for the third-straight year, it appears Austin will not land a head coaching position. Though he was passed over yet again, Austin reportedly interviewed well, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press:
Sounds like Teryl Austin had a good interview in San Diego, too. Not sure if he was "runner up," but he'll get his shot eventually.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) January 13, 2017
As of Thursday night, only one coaching vacancy remained: the San Francisco 49ers job. At this point, Austin has not been linked to that job in any way.
That likely means Austin will return again as the Lions defensive coordinator for the fourth-straight year. In 2016, the Lions had the worst statistical defense according to Football Outsiders, so Austin has his work cut out for himself this year. However, in his first season with the Lions, he orchestrated the third-best defense in DVOA. With a little more talent at his disposal, the hope is Austin can bring the defense back to that level—or at least out of the league’s basement.