Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson will move from the coaches’ booth to the sideline to call plays starting in Week 4 of the 2025 season, Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said Monday.
Robinson has been calling plays from the booth since joining the Falcons in 2024. The decision follows a significant loss to the Carolina Panthers, where Atlanta failed to reach the red zone and lost 30-0. The Falcons are scheduled to play against the Washington Commanders at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this Sunday before their Week 5 bye. The Commanders have allowed an average of 19 points per game this season.
“We’ll move Zac down to the field,” Morris stated. “to be able to get a little cleaner communication for him, to be able to get it to (quarterback Michael Penix Jr.) if something does happen along those lines, to be able to be more visual and see the quarterback and to be able to do some of those different things to have him have a clear line of communication with Mike, to be able to help him out a little bit more.
“We definitely hold some responsibility in those things, and we’ll go out and do those things. We’ll correct those things this week, we’ll correct them throughout the process. It’s how we practice. It’s how we do walk-throughs. It’s how we do everything else. So, we’ll get Zac closer.”
The Falcons currently hold a 1-2 record for the season. Their offense is ranked sixth in rushing yards per game (139.3), thirteenth in total yards per game (338.7), and eighteenth in passing yards per game (199.3). However, they rank thirty-first with an average of fourteen points per game and have scored only three touchdowns—none by wide receivers or tight ends.
In Week 2 against Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium, crowd noise contributed to operational issues for Atlanta’s offense despite their win that week. In their recent matchup with Carolina at Bank of America Stadium, quarterback Michael Penix Jr.’s headset malfunctioned early on but was repaired after officials were notified.
Morris did not attribute these problems solely to external factors but suggested that moving Robinson could improve communication if similar issues occur again: “Those two got a great relationship out on the practice field, out in the game day, out in everything,” Morris said. “So, getting him closer to the action, getting him closer to the environment, getting him closer to the play-caller, getting him closer to all those guys — being able to get the reactions and get a feel for the temperament on the grass as well — I think all that will be helpful.”
Robinson previously coached from NFL sidelines during his time with Los Angeles Rams as assistant quarterbacks coach and later as passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach before coming to Atlanta last year—a first for him working from a booth.
He described pros and cons ahead of last year’s opener: “You get to see everything up there,” Robinson explained about coaching from above field level.” You kind of got everything out in front of you if you want…You do miss being on the field with the guys…but just organization that you have up there…is pretty clean.”
The Falcons ended last season with an 8-9 record; Kirk Cousins started most games before Michael Penix Jr., now entering his second year as quarterback took over late-season—a change possibly benefitting more from Robinson’s presence on-field due especially given Penix’s relative youth compared with veteran Cousins.
During training camp earlier this year Robinson had indicated flexibility regarding his location: “Our communication has been so strong last year with where everybody was at,” he said.” Obviously we’ve got all same coaches back so we’ll see where it goes…I’ll kind of make that decision when time comes.”
With more experience alongside Penix Jr., both staff and team hope new arrangements will strengthen offensive operations moving forward.
