Bucs Bring in Zac Robinson as OC, Betting on a Fresh Vision for a Recharged Offense
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are once again turning the page on offense, naming Zac Robinson their new offensive coordinator-marking the fifth different OC in as many seasons under head coach Todd Bowles. That kind of turnover isn't ideal, but Bowles believes he’s found the right guy this time.
“Zac is one of the bright offensive minds in our game,” Bowles said in the team’s official announcement. “I was very impressed with his plan for getting the most out of the talent we have on that side of the ball.”
And that’s the key. Robinson isn’t coming in blind.
He’s been in the NFC South trenches the past two seasons with the Falcons, giving him a front-row seat to the Bucs’ personnel. That familiarity could pay dividends early.
Bowles highlighted Robinson’s understanding of Tampa Bay’s top offensive weapons and his confidence in the 37-year-old’s ability to develop younger players was evident.
Robinson won’t be coming alone. The Bucs are bringing in T.J.
Yates-formerly the Falcons’ passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach-and veteran offensive assistant Ken Zampese to join the staff. That trio brings a blend of youth, experience, and a shared vision that could help stabilize what’s been a revolving door of offensive philosophies in Tampa.
Continuity might finally be on the horizon, too. Robinson plans to retain offensive line coach Kevin Carberry, someone he’s worked closely with during their time together with the Rams.
That’s a smart move. Carberry already has a rapport with the current offensive line group, and continuity in the trenches is often the foundation of any successful offense.
Falcons’ QB Situation Still in Flux, But Stefanski-Cousins Reunion Remains on the Table
Meanwhile, in Atlanta, the quarterback picture for 2026 is anything but clear. Michael Penix Jr. is still on the mend from a torn ACL, and while there’s hope he’ll be ready for Week 1, it’s far from a guarantee.
That uncertainty has led to renewed speculation about a familiar face: Kirk Cousins. His contract was restructured to allow for a post-June 1 release, but don’t count out a potential return. With Kevin Stefanski now in place as head coach-a man who once coached and coordinated Cousins in Minnesota-there’s at least a plausible path to a reunion.
Stefanski’s admiration for new Falcons offensive coordinator Tommy Rees also stands out. In Cleveland, Stefanski promoted Rees to OC to keep him from bolting for a job with the Patriots and Mike Vrabel. That level of trust suggests Stefanski is building a staff he believes in, and Rees will be tasked with navigating a quarterback room that may still be in flux come training camp.
The Falcons are also continuing to shape their broader coaching infrastructure. Jacqueline Roberts has been hired as manager of coaching operations, and several assistants will be sticking around, including senior defensive assistant Dave Huxtable, assistant offensive line coach Nick Jones, and running backs coach Michael Pitre.
As for Yates and Zampese, they’ll now be suiting up for the Buccaneers alongside Robinson, bringing their NFC South knowledge with them to Tampa.
Bottom Line
The Bucs are banking on Robinson to bring innovation and consistency to an offense that’s lacked both in recent years. His familiarity with the division and existing relationships could give him a head start, but the pressure to produce will be immediate.
In Atlanta, Stefanski’s arrival signals a shift in philosophy-and potentially personnel. The quarterback situation remains the biggest question mark, but the pieces are being put in place to support whoever ends up under center.
Both teams are making calculated moves, leaning on familiarity, relationships, and fresh ideas to reshape their futures. Now it’s about execution.