The Tampa Bay Buccaneers just made a pivotal move for their offense, hiring Zac Robinson as their new offensive coordinator. And while Robinson brings a familiar system and face for quarterback Baker Mayfield, his arrival could also signal a wave of changes-both on the coaching staff and the roster.
This isn’t just about continuity. It’s about building something sharper, faster, and more tailored to the Bucs’ evolving identity.
The Mayfield-Robinson Connection
Let’s start with the obvious: Robinson and Mayfield have history. The two worked together in 2022 during Mayfield’s brief but memorable stint with the Rams.
Robinson, then the pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach, helped stabilize Mayfield’s play after a turbulent season that saw him bounce from Carolina to Los Angeles. That short stretch clearly left an impression on both sides, and now the Bucs are betting on that chemistry to anchor their offense in 2026.
Mayfield is entering the final year of a three-year, $100 million deal. That makes this season a proving ground-not just for him, but for the offensive structure around him.
If the Bucs are going to commit to Mayfield long-term, they need to see him thrive in a system built to his strengths. Robinson’s arrival is a step in that direction.
Free Agency Dominoes: Familiar Faces to Watch
Robinson’s hire could also open the door for some of his former players in Atlanta to follow him to Tampa Bay. While money always talks in free agency, scheme fit and familiarity matter too-especially for players who’ve flourished under a specific coach.
One of the biggest potential targets? Tight end Kyle Pitts.
The former Florida Gator and 2021 Pro Bowler had his most productive season yet in 2025, hauling in 88 catches for 928 yards and five touchdowns-including three scores in a Week 15 win over the Bucs. Pitts hasn’t always lived up to his draft pedigree, but in Robinson’s system, he finally looked like the matchup nightmare he was projected to be.
With Cade Otton hitting free agency, the Bucs have a decision to make at tight end. Pitts would be a splashy addition, but the Falcons could still lock him up with the franchise tag (worth $15.8 million) or a long-term extension. Still, his connection to Robinson makes him a name to watch.
Backfield Shake-Up
Running back Rachaad White appears to be on his way out. His social media has all but confirmed his departure, and his role in the offense diminished over time. The Bucs are high on Bucky Irving, but depth is critical, especially in a Robinson-led offense that leans on versatility and toughness in the run game.
Enter Tyler Allgeier. The former fifth-round pick made an immediate impact as a rookie in 2022 and has quietly put together a solid career-2,876 rushing yards, 18 touchdowns, plus 516 receiving yards and two scores. A downhill runner with vision and power, Allgeier fits the mold of a dependable rotational back who could thrive behind Tampa Bay’s stout offensive line.
Speaking of that line, all five starters are set to return, which is great news. But as last season showed, depth is everything.
That’s where someone like Elijah Wilkinson becomes valuable. He started every game at right tackle for the Falcons in 2025 due to injury and held his own.
His ability to play both guard and tackle makes him a versatile insurance policy-and yes, he’d add another Elijah to a roster already featuring Elijah Roberts and Elijah Klein, not to mention Calijah Kancey. That’s a lot of -ijahs.
Filling Out the Coaching Staff
With Thad Lewis out as quarterbacks coach, the Bucs have a key vacancy to fill. One intriguing name is T.J.
Yates. A former NFL quarterback with stops in Houston, Atlanta, Miami and Buffalo, Yates joined the Falcons’ staff in 2021 and knows Robinson’s system inside and out.
He could step in as quarterbacks coach or even take on passing game coordinator duties.
Another name to watch: Ken Zampese. The veteran assistant has been a steady presence in Atlanta the past two years and brings a wealth of experience.
He also worked with Mayfield during his rookie season in Cleveland back in 2018. That kind of familiarity matters, especially when you're trying to build a cohesive, quarterback-friendly staff.
Tom Moore, the legendary offensive mind who coached everyone from Terry Bradshaw to Tom Brady, has officially retired at age 87. While his presence will be missed, it opens the door for a new generation of voices in the Bucs’ offensive room-voices like Yates and Zampese, who bring both experience and a deep understanding of the system Robinson wants to run.
What This All Means
This isn’t just a new offensive coordinator hire. It’s a strategic pivot.
The Bucs are aligning their coaching staff, system, and potentially even their roster around a vision that puts Baker Mayfield in the best position to succeed. Robinson’s presence gives Tampa Bay a chance to retool on the fly-not just by installing a familiar scheme, but by bringing in players and coaches who already know how to operate within it.
The pieces are in motion. Now it’s about execution.