Zac Robinson is only in his second year as the Atlanta Falcons' offensive coordinator after spending the first five years in the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams. However, the 38-year-old coordinator is already garnering attention for a potential head coaching opportunity in the collegiate ranks.
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported on Sunday that the Falcons' offensive coordinator is “expected to be on the very short list” for the Oklahoma State head coach opening. However, the NFL insider added that Robinson and Oklahoma State haven’t had any contact yet.
Oklahoma St. parted with Mike Gundy earlier this week after he was the head coach for 20-plus years in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Falcons OC Zac Robinson Already Being Connected to Oklahoma State HC Gig
It’s not surprising to see Robinson being connected to the Cowboys’ vacancy, as he played his college football there under Gundy. During his four years at Oklahoma St., Robinson completed 61.1 percent of his passes for 8,317 yards, 66 touchdowns, and 31 interceptions.
He was also a threat on the ground, adding 1,858 yards and 22 touchdowns. Robinson was the full-time starter in his final three years at Oklahoma State and led the Cowboys to three straight bowl game appearances. Oklahoma State also went to a bowl game in Robinson’s freshman year, where he appeared in seven games.
Falcons fans wouldn’t necessarily lose sleep over Robinson leaving the team to return to his alma mater, as Atlanta’s offense has looked putrid to start this season. Heading into Week 4, Atlanta is ranked 31st in scoring (14.0 points per game), but sixth in rushing (139.3 yards per game).
However, the Falcons’ passing game is only averaging 199.0 yards per game (19th in the NFL), which isn’t what fans expected to see heading into Year 2 with Michael Penix Jr.
Things hit rock bottom for Atlanta’s offense in Week 3, as they were shut out 30-0 by a Carolina Panthers’ defense that gave up 27 and 26 points in the first two weeks of the regular season.
That said, the pressure is on Robinson to get this Falcons’ offense back on track. At the same time, it will be interesting to see if there’s more smoke surrounding Oklahoma State and the young offensive coordinator in the coming weeks.