Tampa Bay Buccaneers Hire Zac Robinson As Next Offensive Coordinator
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are finalizing a deal to bring in Zac Robinson as their new offensive coordinator. If the name sounds familiar to Bucs fans, it should. Robinson spent the last two years calling plays for the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. But the real story here isn’t about stealing a coach from a rival; it’s about the guy under center. This move has Baker Mayfield’s fingerprints all over it. Will this move work out?
The Baker Connection: More Than Just Business
To understand why this hire matters, you have to rewind the tape to late 2022. Mayfield was effectively a football nomad. He had been traded by the Browns, cut by the Panthers, and was looking for a lifeline. He found it in Los Angeles with the Rams.
He arrived on a Tuesday and beat the Raiders on a Thursday. It was the stuff of legend. But behind that “McVay Magic” was Robinson, who was serving as the passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
That brief, chaotic stint in Los Angeles didn’t just revitalize Mayfield’s career; it forged a bond between quarterback and coach. Mayfield has had to learn a new playbook almost every year of his career. By bringing in Robinson, the Bucs aren’t just hiring a play-caller; they are buying Mayfield a comfort blanket. Reports indicate Mayfield made a significant push for this hire, and given the carousel of coordinators he’s endured, you can’t blame him for wanting a familiar face in the headset.
Analyzing the Robinson Resume
Robinson arrives in Tampa Bay with a résumé that is a bit of a mixed bag, which is perfect for a sport that loves a debate. In 2024, his first year calling plays in Atlanta, the Falcons offense was humming. They ranked sixth in total offense and looked like a unit on the rise.
Then came 2025. The Falcons took a step back, dropping to 24th in scoring. However, context is king here. Robinson was trying to navigate a transition to Quarterback Michael Penix Jr., only to see the franchise’s future star tear his ACL in November. Kirk Cousins had to finish out the season, and the inconsistency showed.
Despite the rough finish in Atlanta, the league generally views Robinson as a bright offensive mind from the McVay tree. The hope in Tampa is that the 2024 version of Robinson shows up, not the one handcuffed by injuries in 2025.
A Revolving Door At Coordinator
This hire marks a pivotal moment for Head Coach Todd Bowles. After firing Josh Grizzard following just one season, Bowles is under pressure. The defense remains his baby, but he needs the offense to pull its weight.
Robinson becomes the fifth offensive coordinator for the Buccaneers in as many seasons. That is a staggering amount of turnover. For Mayfield, Robinson will be his fourth play-caller in four years. In a league where continuity often breeds success, the Bucs have been restarting the engine every September. The goal here is simple: stop the churn.
Building the New Staff
Robinson isn’t coming to town alone. He is reportedly bringing some backup. Ken Zampese is expected to join as a senior offensive assistant, and T.J. Yates is coming aboard as the passing game coordinator. Interestingly, the Bucs are retaining Offensive Line Coach Kevin Carberry, maintaining at least one piece of the puzzle from the previous regime.
This creates an intriguing blend of new “McVay-style” concepts with some existing personnel. Robinson is known for running pistol formations, whereas Mayfield has traditionally operated from under center. Watching how they mesh these philosophies in training camp will be the first big test of this reunion.
The Outlook for 2026
The Buccaneers missed the playoffs in 2025 and lost the division. The roster still has talent—Mike Evans (contract pending), Chris Godwin, and young pieces like Bucky Irving provide plenty of ammunition.
By hiring Robinson, the Bucs are betting that chemistry beats novelty. They are banking on the idea that a quarterback and a coordinator who speak the same language can fix an offense that went mute last season. It’s a bold move, but in the NFC South, playing it safe gets you fired.
