5 NFL coaches most likely to be fired first in 2020

2. Anthony Lynn

Lynn is another coach who could easily become a casualty of a quarterback controvery. The Chargers seem determined to let Tyrod Taylor start the season as their No. 1 option under center, but it’s easy to see how Justin Herbert could take the controls the moment Taylor falters.

More from NFL

• NFL rumors: Division rival could steal Dalvin Cook from Dolphins
• Raiders sign coveted All-Pro ahead of training camp
• Patrick Mahomes explains why Chiefs aren’t a dynasty and what it’ll take to be one
• Ravens need to give Odell Beckham Jr. a reason not to retire
• Packers president has unrealistic timeline to evaluate Jordan Love as franchise QB

Once that happens, the Chargers’ front office will need to ask themselves whether or not Lynn is the guy they want to preside over their young quarterback’s development. The answer to that query is almost certainly no. Lynn is a likeable guy who does a solid job of coaching his defense, but he’s never been considered anything close to an offensive expert.

That means Lynn becomes surplus to requirements the minute the Chargers fall out of the playoff race and hand over the offense to Herbert. That’s going to happen at some point in 2020. The only real question is when the Chargers will make that hard pivot.

The team has no margin for error if they want to stay in the mix for a playoff berth. Starting the season with three or four losses might be enough to convince Los Angeles to make a change. That’s why Lynn occupies the No. 2 spot on this list.