Familiar Faces, New Ambitions: Buccaneers Finalize Deal to Hire Zac Robinson as Offensive Coordinator
TAMPA, FL — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reportedly found the missing piece to their 2026 coaching puzzle. In a move that reinforces the franchise’s commitment to quarterback Baker Mayfield and the high-octane “McVay-style” offensive system, the Buccaneers are finalizing a deal to name Zac Robinson as their new offensive coordinator.
The news, first reported early Thursday morning by Adam Schefter of ESPN and confirmed by multiple league sources, marks the end of an exhaustive search by head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Jason Licht. Robinson, 39, arrives in Tampa after a two-year stint in the same role with the NFC South rival Atlanta Falcons.
His hiring represents more than just a typical coordinator swap; it is a strategic reunion aimed at stabilizing an offense that showed flashes of brilliance in 2024 but struggled with consistency throughout the 2025 campaign.
The Baker Mayfield Connection: A “Big Push” for Reunion
Perhaps the most significant factor in Robinson’s arrival at AdventHealth Training Center is his pre-existing relationship with Bucs signal-caller Baker Mayfield.
Insiders suggest that Mayfield was a vocal advocate for Robinson throughout the hiring process. The two first crossed paths in late 2022, when Mayfield was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Rams after a tumultuous exit from Carolina. At the time, Robinson served as the Rams’ pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach under Sean McVay.
The “Miracle on 98 Yards”
The bond between the two was forged in fire. Just 48 hours after joining the Rams, Mayfield was thrust into a Thursday Night Football matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Robinson was the primary coach tasked with “cramming” the playbook into Mayfield’s head in less than two days.
The result was legendary: a 98-yard game-winning drive that not only saved the Rams’ season but revitalized Mayfield’s career.
“Zac was instrumental in that stretch,” Mayfield noted in a 2025 interview. “The way he communicates, the way he simplifies the complex—it helped me find the joy in football again. He holds you accountable, but he does it in a way that makes you want to go to war for him.”
By hiring Robinson, Todd Bowles is clearly leaning into the philosophy that worked for the Bucs in 2024 under Liam Coen—another McVay disciple. The goal is to provide Mayfield with a familiar language and a scheme that maximizes his ability to make checks at the line of scrimmage.
The Atlanta Tenure: A Tale of Two Seasons
Robinson’s move to Tampa Bay keeps him within the NFC South, a division he has come to know intimately over the last two years. His time in Atlanta was a rollercoaster of elite production followed by unforeseen hurdles.
2024: The High-Flying Falcons
In his debut season as a play-caller (2024), Robinson orchestrated one of the most balanced attacks in the NFL. Under his guidance:
- The Falcons ranked 6th in total offense (369.8 yards per game).
- The passing attack ranked 5th (239.3 yards per game).
- The ground game, led by All-Pro Bijan Robinson, ranked 10th.
Robinson was credited with unlocking the potential of Drake London and Kyle Pitts, both of whom saw career-high targets and efficiency in 2024.
2025: Adversity and Injury
The 2025 season proved more challenging. Despite the high-profile signing of veteran Kirk Cousins, the Falcons’ offense was hampered by a string of bad luck. Cousins struggled early following his 2024 Achilles injury, leading to the promotion of rookie Michael Penix Jr. Just as Penix began to find his rhythm, he was lost for the season with a torn ACL.
The Falcons finished the season 24th in scoring (20.8 ppg), leading to the dismissal of head coach Raheem Morris. However, the drop-off was largely attributed to personnel turnover and injuries, rather than a failure of scheme.
Strategic Shift: Outmaneuvering the Competition
The Buccaneers were not the only team vying for Robinson’s services. In the weeks following the Falcons’ coaching shakeup, Robinson interviewed with several high-profile suitors, including the Philadelphia Eagles and the Detroit Lions.
The Eagles, in particular, were rumored to have Robinson in their “top five” list of candidates to replace their own outgoing coordinator. However, the Buccaneers moved aggressively this week, reportedly canceling a scheduled second interview with former Titans head coach Brian Callahan to secure Robinson.
Why Robinson Over Other Finalists?
The Bucs’ search was wide-ranging, including interviews with:
- Mike McDaniel (former Dolphins HC, who eventually joined the Chargers).
- Todd Monken (Ravens OC and former Bucs coach).
- Dan Pitcher (Bengals OC).
Ultimately, Robinson’s blend of youth, play-calling experience, and “McVay-tree” roots made him the ideal successor to Josh Grizzard. Bowles and Licht wanted a coach who could maintain the offensive identity established in 2024 while adding a fresh layer of creativity to the run game—something Robinson excelled at with Bijan Robinson in Atlanta.
What to Expect from the “New” Bucs Offense
Fans can expect a heavy dose of 11-personnel (one RB, one TE, three WRs) and an emphasis on “illusion of complexity.” Robinson’s scheme often uses similar formations to run vastly different plays, forcing defenses to hesitate.
Key areas of focus for 2026 will likely include:
- Revitalizing the Run Game: After a middle-of-the-pack rushing performance in 2025, Robinson will be expected to find more creative ways to use Rachaad White and the Bucs’ interior offensive line.
- Unlocking the Tight Ends: Much like he did with Kyle Pitts, Robinson will likely look to expand Cade Otton’s role as a seam-stretcher.
- Third-Down Efficiency: The Bucs saw a significant dip in third-down conversions last season; Robinson’s “West Coast” principles are designed to provide Mayfield with high-percentage options in critical situations.
Closing the Chapter
With the hiring of Robinson, the Buccaneers’ coaching staff is nearly complete. Following the retirements of legends like Tom Moore and the parting of ways with several defensive assistants, Todd Bowles is entering 2026 with a staff that is younger, more analytically driven, and closely aligned with the modern NFL’s offensive explosion.
As the team prepares for the 2026 NFL Draft and Free Agency, one thing is certain: Baker Mayfield has his guy.
