Zac Robinson officially stepped into his new role as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator on Tuesday, and if his introductory press conference is any indication, he’s bringing more than just a fresh playbook to the table - he’s bringing a deep-rooted belief in Baker Mayfield.
This isn’t their first rodeo together. The two crossed paths in Los Angeles back in 2022, when Mayfield landed with the Rams late in the season after a turbulent year.
Robinson, then the Rams’ pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach, got a front-row seat to Mayfield’s resilience. And it left a lasting impression.
A Shared History - and a Shared Vision
When Mayfield arrived in L.A. just days before a Thursday night game against the Raiders, expectations were understandably low. But what followed was one of the more memorable moments of that Rams season - Mayfield, on minimal prep, led a game-winning drive that stunned just about everyone. For Robinson, it wasn’t just the performance that stood out - it was the preparation.
“We gave him a menu of plays - maybe 20 to 25 - late at night,” Robinson recalled. “The next morning, I saw his notebook.
Highlighters everywhere, color-coded. That’s when I knew - he’s made of all the right stuff.”
That moment forged a connection. Now, three years later, Robinson is reunited with Mayfield in Tampa Bay, and he couldn’t be more excited to build an offense around a quarterback he knows can lead - and win.
Mayfield’s Leadership: More Than Just Fire
Everyone knows Mayfield brings edge and intensity. But Robinson saw something deeper during that 2022 stint - a guy who could walk into a huddle with strangers and immediately command the room.
“Baker had been through it - success in Cleveland, then some tough stops,” Robinson said. “He shows up in L.A., meeting guys for the first time midweek, and you could just see it.
Guys gravitate toward him. That’s what you want from your quarterback - someone who elevates the entire group.”
That leadership spark helped Mayfield earn a one-year prove-it deal in Tampa Bay, where he turned heads again - this time as a stabilizing force for a franchise in transition. Despite the team falling short of the playoffs last season, Mayfield’s presence gave the Bucs a fighting chance every Sunday. And that’s exactly what Robinson is counting on as he takes the reins of the offense.
“When you have a guy like that,” Robinson said, “you have a chance to win every single Sunday.”
Arm Talent, Mobility, and the Road Ahead
While Mayfield’s leadership is a big piece of the puzzle, Robinson’s excitement goes beyond the intangibles. He’s also a believer in the physical tools - the arm, the instincts, and especially the mobility.
“Baker was the number one pick in the draft for a reason,” Robinson said. “There’s not a part of the field he can’t attack.
His movement skills - they’re elite. He’s probably the best in the league throwing on the run.”
That mobility is going to be a focal point in Robinson’s system, which will draw from his Rams background but be tailored specifically to Mayfield’s strengths. Expect more play action, more bootlegs, more designed movement - and a quarterback who’s empowered to make plays on the move.
“He’s great in the keeper game, great in the boot game,” Robinson said. “Third-down conversions - those are tough. But when you have a quarterback who can extend plays and pick up first downs with his legs, that’s a huge asset.”
A System Built Around Baker
Robinson made it clear: this offense will be built with Mayfield in mind. And that’s not just lip service - it’s a calculated approach based on familiarity and trust. After years of bouncing between systems and play-callers, Mayfield is finally getting some continuity with a coach who knows exactly what he can handle.
“At the end of the day, you’re tailoring it to the quarterback’s strengths,” Robinson said. “Baker’s experience with the system, the amount he can handle - it’s huge. You can put more on his plate because he’s seen so much football.”
That’s the kind of confidence that can set the tone for an entire offense. And with a new coordinator who believes in him, a system that plays to his strengths, and a locker room that already rallies around him, Baker Mayfield has a real shot to lead the Bucs into a new chapter.
Robinson’s challenge now? Putting all the pieces together. But with Mayfield under center and a clear vision in place, the Bucs’ offense might just be ready to turn the page - and turn some heads - in 2026.