The Bucs filled their offensive coordinator vacancy with Zac Robinson on Thursday. Robinson has familiarity with current Tampa Bay Quarterback Baker Mayfield when he served as Mayfield's positional coach in 2022 with the Rams.
Robinson became the Falcons' offensive coordinator in 2024 and that season, Atlanta's offense ranked sixth in the league with 369.8 yards per game, fifth in passing yards per game (239.3) and 10th in rushing yards per game (130.5). The Falcons posted a top-10 rushing unit for the third-consecutive year and eclipsed the 100-yard marker in 12 games. Bijan Robinson posted a career-high 304 rushes for 1,456 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns. The play-caller uses a player-driven approach and formulated the system based on individual talents, notably how to maximize the rusher's cutting ability.
Over the past two seasons in Atlanta, the Falcons ranked ninth in explosive play percentage, seventh in pre-snap motion, ninth in 11 personnel percentage, first in snaps out of the pistol formation – where the quarterback is lined up four yards behind the center and the running back is positioned directly behind him – eighth in total rushing yards and ninth in yards per carry. Robinson has been an advocate for the pistol and its balance in the run and pass game, with play-action, keepers and screens coming off of the operation. In 2026, his approach will be dictated by Mayfield's level of comfort in the system. In the run game, Robinson used various concepts to benefit the skillset of Atlanta's premier running back with wide zone to stretch defenses horizontally, along with inside zone and duo. In Tampa Bay, he will tailor the system to Bucky Irving and the Bucs' weapons.
In 2023, when Robinson served as the quarterbacks coach and pass game coordinator, Rams' Matthew Stafford completed 326-of-521 attempts for 3,965 yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions for a 92.5 passer rating and earned Pro Bowl recognition for the second time in his tenure. Additionally, that season, receiver Puka Nacua recorded the most receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486) by a rookie in NFL history.
In 2022, the Rams started four different quarterbacks due to injury and Robinson became influential in the onboarding development of Mayfield mid-season, who led L.A. with an improbable game-winning 98-yard touchdown drive against the Raiders after joining the club only two days prior. Under Robinson's direction, Mayfield completed 82-of-129 passes for 850 yards and four touchdowns in five games for the Rams. In the improbable victory over the Raiders with limited reps, Mayfield had an architectural understanding of the offense and delivered several stunning anticipation throws, including one against a zero all-out blitz. That spellbinding performance was not only a testament to Mayfield's ability but Robinson's preparation, as well.
