Falcons OC Zac Robinson Likely to Be Top Candidate for Oklahoma State Head Coach Position
Falcons Focus on Offensive Turnaround Against Washington Commanders
The Atlanta Falcons are gearing up to face the Washington Commanders this Sunday, eager to improve upon their lackluster performance from Week 3. Head Coach Raheem Morris has reaffirmed that Michael Penix Jr. remains the team’s starting quarterback, putting to rest any speculation about a competition with backup Kirk Cousins.
Michael Penix Jr. Retains Starting Role
In the wake of the Falcons’ 30-0 defeat against the Panthers, where Cousins saw his first action of the season, Morris emphasized the team’s dedication to keeping Penix Jr. in the starting lineup. This week’s practice sessions reportedly showed significant improvements in focus and performance, setting a positive tone ahead of their next game.
Zac Robinson Speculation Amid Gundy’s Pay Cut
Meanwhile, a different story is unfolding in Oklahoma, where an unexpected coaching opportunity has emerged. With Mike Gundy accepting a pay cut to remain the head coach through 2025, speculation arose that Zac Robinson, a valued figure in Oklahoma State’s history, would have been a leading candidate to take over the position.
Robinson, widely recognized as a top dual-threat quarterback in the program’s history, received public endorsements, notably from former Cowboys star Dez Bryant, who took to social media to express his support.
The Challenges of Transitioning from NFL to College Coaching
Should Robinson be considered for the Oklahoma State coaching position, timing could present a challenge. With the NFL season extending beyond the college regular season and high school players committing as early as December, an NFL coach moving to college must juggle dual responsibilities.
One strategy could involve Robinson assembling a recruiting team to handle commitments while he fulfills his NFL obligations—a feat not without precedent. Former Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis successfully managed a similar transition during the 2004 NFL season when he joined Notre Dame.
If the search unfolds as expected, Robinson might find himself in a position to navigate these challenges and seize a remarkable coaching opportunity.
