By Sunday 
When the Atlanta Falcons hit the reset button, they didn’t just tap it—they slammed it. With a sweeping organizational restructure underway, Atlanta became the league’s lone franchise simultaneously hunting for both a head coach and a general manager. That kind of upheaval doesn’t leave many assistants untouched, and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson quickly found himself in the crosshairs.
Yet in the NFL, timing and perception matter. And Robinson, despite an uneven run in Atlanta, may have landed on his feet faster than expected.
A League in Flux—But Not Everywhere
While the Falcons were busy gutting their staff, most of the league took a lighter approach—minor coordinator tweaks here, a positional change there. That contrast made Atlanta’s shake-up feel even more dramatic, and it also put several assistants on notice.
Robinson, just 39 and in his first stint as a primary play-caller, was one of the most notable names potentially headed out the door. Still, his résumé—and his connections—kept his phone ringing.
Detroit’s Interest Changes the Narrative
Robinson’s biggest interview came with the Detroit Lions, who are looking to replace John Morton. On paper, it’s a fascinating fit. Detroit’s offensive coordinator role is so attractive right now that it rivals some head coaching gigs across the league.
For a team that could afford to “swing big,” Robinson might seem like a conservative choice. But conservative doesn’t mean uninspired—especially when the foundation is already strong.
What Really Happened in Atlanta
Robinson’s offense in Atlanta was inconsistent, but not disastrous. The Falcons finished in the top half of the NFL in total offense in both 2024 and 2025. Critics argue that elite talent carried the unit more than scheme—and that criticism isn’t entirely unfair.
His system simply didn’t mesh with Michael Penix Jr.’s skill set, while it looked far more comfortable when Kirk Cousins was under center. Red-zone struggles haunted the offense all season, and whispers of a midyear firing grew louder. Head coach Raheem Morris resisted, a decision that ultimately contributed to his own exit.
By the time the offense found its rhythm during a late four-game winning streak, the damage was already done—“too little, too late” for a first-time OC learning on the job.
Old Ties, New Opportunities
Robinson’s appeal in Detroit isn’t accidental. A former assistant under Sean McVay, he worked closely with Lions quarterback Jared Goff back in 2019. That Rams pedigree still carries weight, especially after Los Angeles’ Super Bowl success.
While his West Coast approach wouldn’t replicate what Ben Johnson built in Detroit, it could still function efficiently with the Lions’ personnel—just with a different flavor.
Landing on His Feet, Even If Not Yet
In a league forever chasing the “next McVay,” Robinson is almost guaranteed another chance to call plays. Whether that opportunity comes immediately—or in a role as coveted as Detroit’s—is still up in the air.
But one thing is clear: Atlanta’s reset hasn’t derailed Zac Robinson. If anything, it’s nudged him toward his next chapter.