Oklahoma State may try to bring Zac Robinson back to his alma mater as the school starts its search to replace coach Mike Gundy.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator “is expected to be on the very short list for the now-vacant job of Cowboys head coach.”
Robinson was a three-year starter at quarterback under Gundy. He ranks fourth in school history in passing yards (8,317) and touchdowns (66).
Hours after Oklahoma State dismissed Gundy, former Dallas Cowboys star Dez Bryant lobbied for his former college teammate to get the job:
Robinson has yet to coach in a college role. He started as an assistant quarterbacks coach for the Los Angeles Rams and took over as the QBs coach in 2022 before leaving for the Falcons in 2024.
In his first season, Atlanta’s offense ranked sixth in yards and 13th in points. His arrival helped to unlock running back Bijan Robinson, who had 1,887 yards from scrimmage and 15 touchdowns en route to making the Pro Bowl.
The Falcons aren’t keeping pace with last season’s output as they’re averaging 338.7 yards (13th) and 14 points (31st) through three games.
Still, Bryant surely wasn’t the only Oklahoma State fan who wants to see Robinson back in Stillwater.
Rapoport noted the timing can be tough for an NFL coach moving to a college gig, though.
Unless Robinson stepped down from the Falcons with immediate effect, he’d miss valuable time on the recruiting trail. National signing day isn’t until Feb. 4, 2026, but a lot of players take advantage of the early signing window (Dec. 3-5).
As if drawing up the offensive game plan for an NFL team isn’t hard enough, Robinson would also have to vet candidates to join his coaching staff with the Cowboys.
The fact the 38-year-old bypassed the college route altogether before becoming an NFL assistant could be telling as to his general preference. Even if it’s at his alma mater, he may not be all that enamored by working at this level.
