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Chargers' Lynn vows to run club with discipline, won't be 'players' coach'

Kirby Lee / USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn vows to rule with discipline, in trying to lead the team to its first playoff berth since 2013.

Lynn was officially named the Chargers' head coach on Jan. 13, previously serving as the Buffalo Bills' offensive coordinator.

Working as a head coach for the first time, Lynn demanded accountability from his team as the Chargers enter a pivotal offseason.

"I would never call myself a players' coach," Lynn said via ESPN's Eric D. Williams. "But I think the real players, they crave the discipline. They crave the accountability, and that's what I'm going to hold you to.

"We're going to operate that way. And guys that don't like it, they won't be around."

Lynn, who worked under Rex Ryan with the Bills and New York Jets as a running backs coach, said that he shares a different philosophy from his former confidante.

"Players have always played hard for me," Lynn said. "I feel like I've always got the most out of players. But I'll be honest with you - I have got the most out of them because of fear. I don't have a lot of players calling me, asking me how I'm doing. But Rex has the personality where guys call him all of the time.

"I'm probably more balanced now because I've been around Rex. My mom used to say you deal in truth and grace. And I probably demonstrate a little more grace with my players right now. And when you do that, they appreciate it so much. I think the relationship becomes more relational than just professional."

Ahead of his first season with the Chargers, Lynn made his philosophy clear as his club seeks to escape the AFC West basement.

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