Falcons Hire Zac Robinson As OC

With Raheem Morris set to make the move from Los Angeles to Atlanta, at least one Rams staffer will join him. The Falcons are hiring Rams QBs coach/passing game coordinator Zac Robinson as offensive coordinator, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. This agreement will include a three-year contract, SI’s Albert Breer adds.

As Rapoport unsurprisingly notes, Robinson represented Morris’ top choice for the position. The latter took the head coaching position in Atlanta in a reunion with his former team. Now, he will bring at least one familiar face along with him, bringing an end to Robinson’s busy involvement in this year’s coordinator hiring cycle.

The 37-year-old was connected to several OC openings around the league, making him a logical candidate to depart Sean McVay‘s staff. Robinson received at least an interview request from six teams looking for a new OC, despite the fact he has no experience at that role during his coaching career.

Robinson had a brief NFL playing career as a quarterback, but he has been with the Rams as a coach since 2019. He served as assistant quarterbacks coach in two different seasons, while working with the team’s wide receivers in between. Over the past two years, he held the title of QBs coach but also passing game coordinator, making him an integral part of the Rams’ offensive staff. Los Angeles in general and quarterback Matthew Stafford in particular experienced a rebound with respect to health and productivity in 2023. The team put up strong showings in total and scoring offense while ranking 10th in passing yards per game (239).

Robinson will take the place of Dave Ragone, who had served as the Falcons’ non-play-calling OC during Arthur Smith‘s head coaching tenure. The Falcons left plenty to be desired during their time at the helm, never finishing better than 17th in scoring while posting a 7-10 record each year. Ragone has not taken a position elsewhere, but he will be in line to do so now with Morris and Robinson in the fold.

Atlanta had requested an interview with LSU’s Cortez Hankton earlier today, but the team has instead moved quickly in tapping Robinson for the gig. The latter has drawn praise as another up-and-coming offensive mind under McVay, and he will face a significant challenge upon arrival with the Falcons. The team boasts recent top-10 picks at the tight end, receiver and running back positions, as well as a strong offensive line. As was made clear during the 2023 campaign, however, quarterback represents a significant roster hole.

The Falcons have both 2022 third-rounder Desmond Ridder and veteran Taylor Heinicke under contract for next year, but an addition should be expected after the team’s struggles under center in 2023. Regardless of who is in place at the position next year, Robinson will be tasked with overseeing an improvement in efficiency through the air in particular. Morris has experience on both sides of the ball, but the bulk of his NFL work has come on defense, meaning Robinson could have a notable degree of autonomy despite his inexperience.

Already in need of a new DC to replace Morris, the Rams will now need to conduct a search for an internal candidate or an outside hire to take on Robinson’s duties. While that process will be worth watching, the Falcons have immediately filled a significant vacancy on their staff.