The Tampa Bay Buccaneers want to follow every path during their search for a new offensive coordinator. That’s why some fans may be a bit surprised that that search led them to a division rival.
On Sunday night, the Bucs held a virtual interview with the Falcons‘ Zac Robinson, an offensive coordinator who has led a prolific offensive attack in Atlanta. Robinson is now the third person the Bucs have interviewed for the position since firing Josh Grizzard, having conducted interviews with Lions passing game coordinator David Shaw and Cardinals QB coach Israel Woolfork on Saturday.
Robinson was initially part of the Sean McVay tree, having filled various positions on his staff with the Rams. However, in 2024, he followed Raheem Morris to Atlanta to lead a revamped offense starring all-star running back Bijan Robinson.
A Familiar System With Proven Production
While Morris was fired on January 4th after just two seasons, Robinson still oversaw an offense that in his first season, finished sixth in net yards per game, eight in yards per play, fifth in passing yards per game, and fifth in rushing yards per game. Even after losing QB Michael Penix to injury midway through the season, they still finished 14th in yards per game and eighth in rushing.
This year, the offense struggled mightily with Penix back at the helm, but after a late season switch to Kirk Cousins, the Falcons won their last four games, including a game on the road against the Bucs, while upping their scoring average to 22.5 points per game.
Mixed Results in Atlanta, But Signs of Offensive Adaptability
Most importantly is that during his five years with the Rams, Robinson briefly worked with Baker Mayfield as his quarterback coach. Mayfield of course ended up playing in four game for LA, which some say led to the rejuvenation of his career. The Bucs could be hoping for a similar renaissance for Baker after a down year.
The Falcons still have Robinson under contract, which means they can block any further interviews, much like they did with defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. However, they are seemingly allowing Robinson to do as he pleases.
While Bucs fans may not be happy with this interview news, as Robinson has been much maligned throughout his career, he still can get the most out of a strong offense. In his five year career with the Rams, specifically his two years as passing game coordinator, both QB Matthew Stafford and WR Puka Nacua earned Pro Bowl berths. In fact, that was Nacua’s rookie season, where he set the NFL record for most receptions and receiving yards.
This continues the Bucs’ interviews with various candidates. They are still waiting to hear back from Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase and Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
While Zac Robinson isn’t seen as the premier candidate, he still has a history of creating offenses that maintain their balance. Both with the Rams and Falcons, he had the weapons needed to be creative. With the Bucs, they’re hoping for some of that magic as well.
Bucs Interview Former Sean McVay Disciple Amidst OC Search