Anthony Lynn spent a good portion of his Tuesday morning in rehearsal — “L.A. Chargers, L.A. Chargers,” he kept repeating to himself, even practicing during his commute to StubHub Center.

There, he was introduced as the Los Angeles Chargers’ head coach at an 11:30 a.m. news conference. Three men spoke before him, the last of whom was General Manager Tom Telesco.

Then, it was Lynn’s turn.

“Good afternoon,” he said. “I am so proud to be the head coach of the San Diego ... uh, L.A. Chargers. Oops.”


Forgive him.

This is an adjustment period for everyone.

Lynn rebounded smoothly in his first public appearance with the Chargers, displaying what several in the organization have characterized as a “presence” about him. He lauded the opportunity that awaits and the chance to win this season. But plenty of work comes first, beginning with the completion of his coaching staff.

One thing was certain Tuesday.


Lynn did not lack for excitement.

“I think we have the opportunity to start fast,” Lynn, 48, said. “This is not a rebuilding project. This is not a two-year transition. This is long term, baby. We have a very talented roster. I like the cornerstone pieces we have and can build a championship program around.

“We’re looking forward to showing you guys how fun it’s going to be to watch this football team, how this football team is going to be physical, how this football team is going to play disciplined, not turn the ball over and win football games and not lose (them). I can’t wait to get started.”

He’ll start with hiring coaches.


Lynn confirmed that Ken Whisenhunt will stay on as offensive coordinator. As for the other side of the ball, the Chargers are in continued talks with former Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley to become defensive coordinator, the team looking to replace John Pagano in the role. There is hope to hire Bradley this week, although the team has other candidates prepared should Bradley choose another direction.

On Thursday and Friday, Lynn will interview candidates for a strength and conditioning coach and special teams coordinator. Kent Johnston and Craig Aukerman are being replaced, respectively. This notably comes following a season mired by injuries and poor special teams play.

Lynn already has identified Pat Meyer as his offensive line coach. The two worked together in Buffalo, so they share an understanding of certain blocking concepts that Lynn will look to apply. Interviews for other positions are expected to continue this month at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

Of the six NFL head coach vacancies this offseason, Lynn said he “thought this was the best out there.”


His candidacy was a late development.

The Chargers gathered intelligence that Lynn would be promoted from Bills offensive coordinator and interim head coach to Buffalo’s full-time head coach a day or two after the 2016 season. “And that was from really good sources,” Telesco said.

But a few days passed, and Lynn was still available.

By then, the Chargers already had planned other interviews, so he became the sixth and final candidate with whom they met. The interview lasted six hours in San Diego, after which President of Football Operations John Spanos said he knew the team had found its next head coach.


“I know one of the things that jumped out to me was his leadership,” said Spanos, who had the final call on the hire. “We talked a lot about what that means to really be a great leader; what traits do you need? I think it’s having the ability to communicate and really connect with all the players on the team. I know Coach Lynn can do that. He’s been a former player himself. … He’s won two Super Bowls. He knows what it takes.”

Running back Danny Woodhead supported that notion.

As a player, Lynn spent six seasons as a running back for the Broncos and 49ers in the ’90s, playing mainly as a reserve. As a coach, he spent 13-plus seasons as a running backs coach, including an overlap in 2008 and 2009 with Woodhead for the New York Jets.

Woodhead missed his 2007 rookie season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, so Lynn effectively guided him through his first two seasons on the field.


“I thought he was a really good leader of the room,” Woodhead said in a Tuesday phone interview. “We had some guys in there, too — Thomas Jones, Tony Richardson, Leon Washington — guys who were proven names, and he still led the room really well. … I think the guys respected him. I respected him. He was just someone you could trust, and I think that goes a long way.”

michael.gehlken@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @SDUTgehlken