The 2023 NFL season has been turbulent for several NFL teams. Teams like the Cincinnati Bengals showcased promising performances after a poor start. However, teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Commanders have been terrible almost all of the season. In a season marked by the firing of head coaches, the Commanders made the expected move by sacking HC Ron Rivera.
The Falcons also followed the trend by firing their HC Arthur Smith. The coaching change saw Raheem Morris taking over Smith’s spot. Now, the team is hiring Los Angeles Rams veteran passing game coordinator as well as quarterbacks coach Zac Robinson as their new offensive coordinator.
Falcons hire Zac Robinson
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported the Falcons move to hire Zac Robinson as their new OC on Saturday. This decision stems from the strong connection between Raheem Morris and Robinson, evident in Robinson’s inclusion on Morris’s list of potential assistant coaches during the interview process.
Before joining the Falcons, the veteran garnered interest from various teams seeking offensive coordinator positions, such as the Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, and New Orleans Saints. His expertise and experience made him a sought-after candidate in the competitive coaching landscape.
Robinson’s coaching journey began with individual quarterback instruction before evolving into an analyst role for Pro Football Focus. In 2019, he joined the Rams as an assistant QB coach. The coach eventually progressed to the roles of QB coach and passing game coordinator during his five-season tenure.
A former three-year starting quarterback at Oklahoma State University, Robinson was selected by the New England Patriots in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL Draft. His professional playing career also included brief stints with the Seattle Seahawks, Cincinnati Bengals, and Detroit Lions.
The Falcons have also decided to retain Marquice Williams as their special teams coordinator. They are trying to maintain continuity by keeping a key member from the previous coaching staff under Arthur Smith.
How did the Falcons do in this NFL season?
The Atlanta Falcons concluded the 2023 NFL season with a familiar 7-10 record, marking three consecutive seasons with the same outcome. The final two games of the season highlighted the struggles the Falcons endured. They suffered blowout defeats against the Chicago Bears (12-37) and the New Orleans Saints (17-48).
Though Morris replaced Smith as the HC, it will be Robinson who will have to work to get rid of the offensive struggle. The franchise’s offense boasts talent, with players like Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Tyler Allgeier. However, the need for a reliable franchise quarterback became increasingly evident, with Desmond Ridder’s inability to develop into a high-end starter contributing to the team’s woes.
Now, the spotlight shifts to addressing the quarterback dilemma. Robinson, tasked with helming the offense, is charged with the crucial mission of identifying and developing a franchise quarterback for Atlanta. Whether this key player emerges from the current roster, is selected in the upcoming draft, or is secured through free agency remains uncertain.
