Zac Robinson, the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive coordinator and playcaller, is preparing for his second season in this key role. He has made it a priority to improve the team’s offensive systems. Robinson’s family was the kind that loudly rooted for the Denver Broncos. This atmosphere stoked his intrinsic love for the game, none more so than his adoration for then-franchise quarterback John Elway. This formative experience fueled in him a love for the game that has come to define his life and success in the NFL.
Robinson’s coaching journey truly began with the Los Angeles Rams. He was later promoted to assistant quarterbacks coach in 2019. Working under head coach Sean McVay, he immersed himself in the Rams’ offensive scheme, garnering insights that would later influence his own coaching style. His rookie year was all about immersing himself in McVay’s scheme. His natural eye for the game almost immediately left a lasting impression.
While with the Rams, Robinson learned critical lessons from former Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins. He then took over the starting role in Week 16 of the 2020 season. His playing experience afforded him invaluable insights into QB dynamics. As a coach, he is now putting those insights into practice.
Robinson’s style of coaching is built on the foundation of communication and flexibility. As a result, he is an extraordinary listener. He encourages an atmosphere where players can honestly express what they are feeling and what they want.
“He just sees the game like a veteran quarterback, and he’s obviously played a lot of football, which helps. But he just has that natural eye for the game, too, that [even] when he was 17 years old, he still saw the game the right way.” – Zac Robinson
This tactical genius’s ability to engage with his players is music to the ears of Falcons wide receiver Drake London, who is enthused with Robinson’s cutting-edge strategies. Under Robinson, London reached a career-high 39.1% of his snaps in the slot. This is a great example of Robinson’s creativity and ability to get the most out of players using various formations.
Robinson is a proponent for going 11 personnel, or one tight end, three wide receivers. This strategy forces exploitable mismatches with favorable matchups on opposing defenses. Seamless communication between the quarterback and the offensive coordinator is paramount for this up-tempo style of offense. Both quarterback Michael Penix and offensive coordinator Kalenki Robinson value this symbiosis.
“That’s the biggest thing about offensive coordinator and the quarterback. You got to have that communication, that bond. Just to know that for me I got to let him know what I like and he lets me know what he feels is fit for the game plan.” – Michael Penix
Robinson’s capacity to cultivate this connection can be traced back to his meticulous nature and desire to hear out his players’ input. His offensive strategies are designed to create favorable mismatches that put opposing defenders in a tough position.
“And honestly, when we talk about creating mismatches and making mismatches, I think [Robinson did] a really good job at that.” – Drake London
The effects of Robinson’s hard work are clear in last season’s stats. In fact, he helped players set career highs in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches. Robinson’s playcalling ability has been a huge part of this as well. His keen evaluation skills, honed as a former quarterback evaluator at Pro Football Focus, are a big part of that.
Robinson now looks ahead with excitement to the 2025 season. Here, he looks back and focuses on some of the most important things he learned while serving on the Rams. He particularly focused on game tape from their Super Bowl loss in 2018, identifying areas where improvement could lead to success.
“I was really watching their tape, especially 2017 and 2018, the Super Bowl [loss] year.” – Zac Robinson
With Atlanta, Robinson spreads the wealth, using creativity to design plays that enhance individual player’s performance. He’s equally passionate about nurturing a positive culture with the right team. The biggest thing to him is he wants the players to be selfless.
“And just nobody having a big ego and just doing whatever it takes to help this team win football games. That’s the biggest thing and I feel like he’s great with that.” – Michael Penix
Thus far, Robinson has demonstrated that he can adapt his coaching style to fit diverse player strengths while maintaining clarity in communication. That kind of adaptability will be no less important as the Falcons begin a new season teeming with hope and potential.
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