It's been 95 days since Anthony Lynn was named head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.
On Tuesday, he finally gets to step onto the practice field with his players.
This week marks the beginning of Phase II workouts, which include on-field individual player instruction and drills. Team practice may also be conducted on a "separates" basis. While no live contact or team offense vs. team defense drills are permitted, it nonetheless marks another significant first in the Anthony Lynn era.
"It's exciting just to get on the field with them finally and run some football plays," he said. "Up to this point it's been the conditioning and strength part, and that will continue until OTAs. That is still the main objective. We are only on the field for 45 minutes, and half of that is individual (work). But we will come together as a group so we know how to operate in and out of a huddle. We aren't going against anyone, but it will still be good to see our team out there and run some football plays."
Lynn takes a deep breath before continuing.
"I'm also eager to see how our coaches organize things. Their drill work and player development. That is the number one thing I am looking forward to out there with the staff and players. Player development is number one."
While development on the field and in the classroom is vitally important, there is another message Lynn continues to hammer home to his players.
"We are going to be the best conditioned team in the National Football League," he said. "That is what we are going to be. We want guys here in the locker room working together. This is when you build a team. Training together builds that camaraderie. I just think this time of year is so important for building team chemistry. They've been away for so long. You've been gone for three months, and now we've finally got you back. I think now is the time to build that team chemistry".
To that end, Lynn came up with a motto to not only define the team's offseason, but the entire 2017 campaign.
Always Compete.
Those two words are emblazed on the t-shirts the Bolts have worked out in since they returned for Phase I.
"That is our theme this year. In everything we do, we are going to always compete. * Whether it is in the (weight room), during individual drills in practice or in the classroom, *always compete. You don't just show up on Sundays and then compete. It has to be a culture, and we are going to establish that culture right now."
Presenting your 2017 Los Angeles Chargers.