Anthony Lynn, the assistant head coach and running backs coach for the San Francisco 49ers, brings a wealth of experience from his time playing and coaching in the NFL. Lynn, who played running back for various teams in the 90s, including the 49ers and Broncos, transitioned to coaching with roles in several organizations before joining San Francisco under head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Lynn has a great deal of respect and admiration for Shanahan, who also serves as the 49ers' play-caller. In a recent interview with Adam Schefter on the NFL insider's podcast, Lynn discussed the exceptional play-calling skills of Kyle Shanahan and drew comparisons to Kyle's father, Mike Shanahan, a former NFL head coach.
"I played for Mike Shanahan as a player, but also coached for him, too, when I retired," Lynn told Schefter. "So I've had an opportunity to coach for Mike and coach for Kyle, and there are a lot of similarities there. There are. And I tell you this, first and foremost, Kyle Shanahan is the best play-caller I've ever been around. I don't remember anyone like this since his dad. So I think that's his only rival, is his dad.
"It's been really cool to see him grow up over the years, when he was a ball boy and played in college at Texas, and now as a coach, and just watch him become—we called his dad a genius. Well, the media did, back then. ... He (Kyle) is just so unique and creative. I've never been around a person to scheme guys as open as Kyle has done this year. He's just done a remarkable job with our schemes."
Lynn clarified that he wasn't declaring the younger Shanahan as the better play-caller over his father, stating Kyle is the best "since his dad."
He added, "I'm not going there, brother. I won two Super Bowls (with Mike). I'm not going there."
Regarding the 49ers' health status as they enter the playoffs, Lynn expressed optimism, stating the team is about as healthy as you can expect in the playoffs, which will be beneficial as they gear up for a Super Bowl run.
"I think, at this point in the season, we're about as healthy as we can be," Lynn stated. "You're always going to have some people with some bumps and bruises late in the year."
The coach noted that key players like running back Christian McCaffrey, tight end George Kittle, and wide receiver Deebo Samuel have benefited from the extra rest that comes with a first-round bye in the playoffs. Maintaining the team's health will be crucial for success in the playoffs.
Lynn added, "And now we're going out, and we're practicing the last couple of days, and guys are running around just so we can maintain our timing, not get rusty and things like that. But it's going to be a huge factor. When we're healthy, we're dangerous. And, of course, in those three and a half hours, anybody can beat anybody in this league, but I like our chances when we're healthy."
One humorous moment from the podcast interview is Lynn learning from Schefter that the Washington Commanders hired Adam Peters as their new general manager, as the show was recorded last week. Lynn expressed amazement at Schefter's quick access to breaking news and eagerly anticipated congratulating Peters on his new role.
You can listen to the entire conversation with Lynn below. It begins at about the 19-minute mark.