Buccaneers Tap Zac Robinson To Revamp Offense In 2026

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made a decisive move to reshape their offensive future, officially hiring Zac Robinson as their new offensive coordinator on January 22, 2026. This appointment marks the end of a high-profile coaching search for the Bucs, who are eager to reignite their attack after a disappointing 2025 campaign. Robinson, who spent the past two seasons as the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive coordinator, steps into a role that has seen more than its fair share of turnover—he becomes Tampa Bay’s fifth OC in as many years.

Robinson’s arrival comes at a critical juncture for the Buccaneers. The team stumbled to an 8-9 finish last season, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019 and watching their offensive production drop precipitously. In 2024, the Bucs were a top-three unit in yards and among the league’s elite in scoring, but 2025 saw them fall to 21st in total offense and 18th in points per game, averaging just 21.4 after posting 28.6 the year before. The struggles led to the dismissal of offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard and a broader shake-up of the coaching staff, including the departures of special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey and quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis.

Robinson brings with him a wealth of experience and a reputation for continuity, having worked with current Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield during their stint together with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022. Mayfield, who started four games under Robinson’s tutelage, reportedly vouched for the hire—a sign that the team is looking to recapture some of the chemistry that helped Mayfield thrive in previous stops. "If Mayfield is comfortable, he plays better football, and Robinson could put him on track to shake off his dreadful end of the year in 2025 and get him playing more like he did throughout all of 2024," wrote River Wells, a sports journalist covering the Buccaneers since 2023.

But Robinson’s hiring isn’t just about familiarity. He’s expected to bring along trusted assistants Ken Zampese and T.J. Yates, both of whom he worked with in Atlanta. Zampese, who served as the Falcons’ senior offensive assistant for the last two years, boasts a unique connection with Mayfield as well—he was the Cleveland Browns’ quarterbacks coach during Mayfield’s rookie year in 2018. That season, Mayfield threw for 3,725 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, finishing as the runner-up for Offensive Rookie of the Year and posting the fourth-highest adjusted net yards per attempt (ANY/A) of his career at 7.48. The rapport between Zampese and Mayfield was evident, and there’s hope in Tampa that they can rekindle that productive partnership.

T.J. Yates, meanwhile, has worn multiple hats since joining the Falcons in 2021, most recently as offensive passing game coordinator. While Atlanta’s passing attack in 2025 was average—ranking 18th in EPA and tied for 15th in yards per pass—context matters. The Falcons dealt with significant adversity, including rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. playing just 14 games before tearing his ACL, veteran Kirk Cousins returning from an Achilles injury, star receiver Drake London missing a month, and a depleted offensive line. Given the Buccaneers’ healthier and more talented roster, Yates could find greater success in Tampa Bay alongside Robinson.

Still, Robinson’s tenure in Atlanta wasn’t without criticism. His offenses were known for their predictability—he ran the pistol formation about 40% of the time in both 2024 and 2025, among the highest rates in the NFL. According to SumerSports, Robinson ran the ball on 67.9% of pistol plays in 2024 and 69% in 2025. His playcalling tendencies extended to other formations as well, passing on 87% of shotgun snaps and running on 75% of under-center plays. This lack of variation drew the ire of Falcons fans and analysts alike, who noted that Robinson’s reluctance to mix things up may have contributed to Atlanta’s struggles in key situations.

One glaring issue was the Falcons’ inability to convert on third down. Despite ranking 10th in red zone scoring in 2025, Atlanta finished just 23rd in points per game (20.8) and a woeful 30th in third down conversion rate. Robinson leaned heavily on the run in short-yardage scenarios, calling runs on 75% of plays with three yards or less to go, but the team managed only a 65% conversion rate and a negative expected points added (EPA) on those attempts. Passing in those situations proved far more effective, converting at a 70.8% clip and netting a positive EPA. If Robinson hopes to succeed in Tampa Bay, he’ll need to adapt his approach to maximize the Bucs’ offensive potential.

Fortunately for Robinson, he inherits a roster with more firepower than Atlanta could muster last season. Baker Mayfield offers mobility and experience under center, which should allow for a more dynamic and modern offensive scheme. The supporting cast is also impressive: running back Bucky Irving, wide receiver Chris Godwin, and emerging star Emeka Egbuka headline a group that, if healthy, could return the Bucs to their 2024 form. "Robinson will have better quarterback talent and offensive weapons in Tampa Bay in 2026," noted one analysis, pointing to the opportunity for a quick turnaround.

Stability, however, remains elusive in Tampa Bay. Robinson is the fifth offensive coordinator since 2022, following Byron Leftwich, Dave Canales, Liam Coen, and Josh Grizzard. For Mayfield, this marks his ninth OC in as many NFL seasons—a dizzying carousel that has tested the quarterback’s adaptability. Head coach Todd Bowles, retained despite the team’s recent struggles, is banking on Robinson’s system and staff to finally provide the consistency the franchise has craved.

The Buccaneers’ search for an offensive coordinator was thorough. Multiple candidates were interviewed, including former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, who ultimately chose the Los Angeles Chargers. Robinson, who was also considered by the Philadelphia Eagles, stood out for his familiarity with the Bucs’ personnel and his experience in systems similar to those run by his predecessors in Tampa Bay. The continuity in terminology and concepts should ease the transition for Mayfield and the rest of the offense.

As the dust settles on this latest coaching shuffle, the Buccaneers are hoping that Robinson’s blend of experience, familiarity, and fresh ideas will spark a resurgence on offense. The NFC South rivalry with the Falcons adds another layer of intrigue, with Robinson now tasked with outsmarting his former team twice a year. The pressure is on, but so is the opportunity.

With a new coaching staff, a motivated quarterback, and a talented supporting cast, Tampa Bay fans have reason to believe that the offense can get back on track in 2026. Only time will tell if Robinson is the man to lead the charge, but for now, the Buccaneers have made their choice—and the stage is set for a fascinating season ahead.