Chargers Head Coach Rumors

Here’s a running list of reports and rumors pertaining to the Chargers’ head-coaching search. Be sure to check back for the latest news.

Latest:

• Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Anthony Lynn is viewed as the Chargers’ “top target” and is still meeting with them at this time. Rapoport mentioned earlier that Lynn was still with the Chargers and the team could move quickly to get something done now that the Rams have hired Sean McVay.
• Jason Cole of B/R reports that Buccaneers DC Mike Smith impressed the Chargers during his interview and his prior experience has given him a major advantage in terms of securing the job. Cole goes as far to say that Smith is currently the leader for the position, but adds that the Chargers are not set to hire anyone just yet and would still like to wait on a few defensive coordinators who are currently involved with playoff teams.
• Ian Rapoport reports that if Anthony Lynn is hired as the Chargers’ head coach, he would keep Ken Whisenhunt and the offensive coaching staff in place.
• Josina Anderson reports that the Rams and Chargers have both “currently scheduled” interviews with Bills interim HC Anthony Lynn for this week. Anderson adds that Lynn remained in California after his initial interviews with both teams.
• Ian Rapoport reports that Dolphins DC Vance Joseph will now interview for the Chargers’ head-coaching vacancy after meeting with the Broncos on Tuesday.
• Considering that the Chargers are focused on hiring a defensive-minded head coach with the intention of keeping the offensive coaching staff in place, Albert Breer believes Buccaneers DC Mike Smith makes the most sense for San Diego.
• The Chargers are still meeting with Bills interim HC Anthony Lynn on Tuesday, according to Josina Anderson.
• Jason La Canfora reports that the Chargers plan to interview two more candidates after meeting with Lions DC Teryl Austin but will then begin to narrow their search.
• According to Josina Anderson, the Chargers have scheduled an interview with Bills interim HC Anthony Lynn for Monday.
• Josina Anderson reports that the Chargers are bringing in Lions DC Teryl Austin for an interview on Tuesday.
• According to Adam Schefter, Lions DC Teryl Austin will interview with Chargers and Rams now that Detroit has been eliminated from the playoffs.
• According to Jason La Canfora, both Buccaneers DC Mike Smith and Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub are “very viable” candidates for the Chargers’ position.
• The Chargers announced they had a second interview for Panthers DC Sean McDermott on Saturday.
• Alex Marvez reports that one reason why the Chargers want to keep their offensive staff intact is the belief that OC Ken Whisenhunt’s system fits QB Philip Rivers well and they don’t want him to learn a learn a brand new system.
• Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports that Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub will interview with the Chargers Sunday.
• Ian Rapoport reports that the Chargers have requested permission to interview Bills interim HC Anthony Lynn for their head-coaching vacancy.
• Michael Gehlken reports that the Chargers will interview Panthers DC Sean McDermott on Friday in Rhode Island.
• Albert Breer reports that the Chargers’ focus for their head-coaching search is less about a candidate’s focus on one particular side of the ball and more about their ability to lead an entire program, and connect with all different sorts of players. Breer says that keeping the offensive staff is “very much in play” for the Chargers and a candidates desire or willingness to continue working with OC Ken Whisenhunt would likely be viewed as a plus for them. The Chargers’ focus based around finding a coach with NFL experience instead of looking to the college ranks.
• Annie Heilbrunn reports that the Chargers are expected to interview Buccaneers DC Mike Smith for their head-coaching job Thursday.
• According to Ian Rapoport, the Chargers have no plans to force their next head coach to keep their offensive coaching staff. However, Rapoport adds that the Chargers value this group and there’s a good chance OC Ken Whisenhunt and others stay along with some defensive and special teams coaches.
• Ian Rapoport reports that Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub will interview with the Broncos on Friday and the Chargers on Sunday.
• According to Adam Schefter, the Chargers are expected to interview Buccaneers DC Mike Smith for their head coaching vacancy.
• According to Brad Biggs, the Chargers requested to interview Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub for their head-coaching vacancy.
• Peter Schrager reports the Chargers have requested to meet with Panthers DC Sean McDermott for their head-coaching job.
• Tom Pelissero reports that the Chargers have requested permission to interview Lions DC Teryl Austin for their head-coaching vacancy.
• According to Ian Rapoport, the Chargers will interview Austin at the end of this week.
• Ian Rapoport reports that Patriots DC Matt Patricia has scheduled interviews with the Chargers and Rams for this weekend.
• Jason La Canfora reports that the Chargers have requested permission to interview Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub for their head-coaching job.
• The Chargers have requested an interview with Dolphins DC Vance Joseph for next week, according to Adam Schefter.
• Adam Schefter reports that the Chargers have requested permission to interview Patriots DC Matt Patricia for their head-coaching job.
• Jason La Canfora expects the Chargers and Rams to both show interest in Saints HC Sean Payton over the next few weeks.

Interviews:

• Bills interim HC Anthony Lynn (scheduled)
• Buccaneers DC Mike Smith (interviewed)
• Panthers DC Sean McDermott (interviewed)
• Lions DC Teryl Austin (scheduled)
• Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub (scheduled)
• Patriots DC Matt Patricia (interviewed)
• Dolphins DC Vance Joseph (requested)

We’ll have more regarding the Chargers’ coaching search as the news is available.