The Buccaneers are hiring Zac Robinson as their new offensive coordinator, a move that came with a strong push from quarterback Baker Mayfield, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday.
Robinson, a former quarterback and longtime member of Sean McVay’s coaching tree, most recently spent two seasons as offensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons. In his first year calling plays, Atlanta ranked sixth in the NFL in total yards per game and 13th in points scored. The offense regressed in 2025 during a difficult season that ended with the dismissal of head coach Raheem Morris, allowing Robinson to explore other opportunities.
That search didn’t last long. Robinson interviewed for only two open offensive coordinator jobs, Detroit and Tampa Bay, before landing with the Buccaneers, in large part due to his previous connection with Mayfield.
That relationship dates back to the 2022 season, when Mayfield’s career took a winding turn. After being traded from Cleveland to Carolina and later released by the Panthers, Mayfield joined the injury-ravaged Rams for the final five weeks of the season. Claimed off waivers just a day after his release, Mayfield had less than 48 hours to learn the playbook before stepping in for an injured John Wolford and leading Los Angeles to a stunning Thursday night comeback win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
During that stretch, Mayfield worked closely with McVay and Robinson, who at the time served as the Rams’ passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Though Mayfield moved on to Tampa Bay in 2023, the brief but memorable stint clearly left an impression.
Now, as Mayfield prepares to operate under yet another new offensive coordinator, the familiarity with Robinson offers a level of comfort and continuity. Robinson, for his part, will look to replicate the success another McVay disciple, current Jaguars coach Liam Coen, enjoyed during his own one-year run guiding Mayfield and the Buccaneers’ offense.
