The Buccaneers are building out their coaching staff under new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, and he’s leaning on familiarity and experience to get it done. With a mix of former Falcons assistants and even a former college teammate, Robinson is assembling a group that blends fresh ideas with seasoned NFL know-how.
Let’s start with the offensive side, where Robinson is bringing in T.J. Yates and Ken Zampese-two coaches who’ve spent significant time around quarterbacks-and Andrew Mitchell, a former Oklahoma State teammate of Robinson’s, to help shape the trenches.
Yates, 38, is coming off a stint as the Falcons’ passing game coordinator, a role that had him working closely with quarterbacks throughout the 2023 season. He’s no stranger to Atlanta, having joined the staff in 2021 and cycling through roles that included passing game specialist, wide receivers coach, and quarterbacks coach.
As a player, Yates had a six-year NFL career after being drafted by the Texans in 2011. He’s best remembered for leading Houston to its first-ever playoff win that same season as a rookie quarterback.
Since hanging up his cleats, he’s carved out a coaching path focused on the passing game-something that should mesh well with Robinson’s offensive vision in Tampa Bay.
Zampese, 58, brings a veteran presence to the staff. He’s been around the league for decades and is known for his quarterback development and play-calling chops.
He served as the Bengals’ offensive coordinator in 2016 and 2017 and also worked with Baker Mayfield as the Browns’ quarterbacks coach during the 2018 season. Zampese’s experience and quarterback-centric background should provide a steadying influence as the Bucs look to refine their offense under new leadership.
Then there’s Andrew Mitchell, who steps in as the assistant offensive line coach. Mitchell and Robinson go way back-they were teammates at Oklahoma State, where Mitchell played tackle.
After a brief NFL career with stops in Cincinnati, Seattle, and Jacksonville, Mitchell transitioned to coaching and most recently served as the offensive line coach at his alma mater. He replaces Brian Picucci, who departed to join the Jaguars as their run game coordinator.
Mitchell’s familiarity with Robinson’s football philosophy and his recent work at the college level make him a natural fit for a staff that’s clearly being built with chemistry and cohesion in mind.
On the defensive side, the Bucs have started filling out their vacancies as well, bringing in Marcus West to coach the defensive line. West, 42, spent the past two seasons with the Bills, first as an assistant defensive line coach in 2022 before being promoted to lead the position group. His experience in Buffalo’s aggressive front should bring some fresh energy to Tampa Bay’s defensive trenches.
All in all, Robinson’s first staff is taking shape with a clear emphasis on familiarity, quarterback expertise, and line play-three pillars that will be crucial as the Bucs look to evolve offensively and maintain their edge on defense.