Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson could be heading home -- eventually.
Robinson, who also happens to be one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Oklahoma State history, is expected to be on the very short list for the now-vacant job of Cowboys head coach, multiple sources connected to the search say.
Mike Gundy, Robinson's former coach, was fired after 20-plus seasons this week.
OSU athletics director Chad Weiberg has retained a search firm, TurnkeyZRG, to help facilitate the search to replace Gundy, who turned the program into a perennial winner. Robinson, in his second year as Falcons OC, is slated to figure prominently. Sources close to the search say there has been no contact yet between Robinson and OSU.
The Falcons play the Washington Commanders on Sunday, and all eyes are on the task at hand -- turning around a tough offensive performance from Week 3.
Atlanta head coach Raheem Morris reiterated the organization's stance that Michael Penix Jr. is the Falcons' starting QB and that there is no competition with backup Kirk Cousins. In the aftermath of the team's 30-0 loss to the Panthers -- a game in which Cousins made his first appearance of the season -- it sounds like the practice week was a good one, as far as attention, focus and proficiency.
But in a parallel world, the OSU opening looms. Prior to Gundy accepting a pay cut to stay to coach in 2025, Robinson almost certainly would have been the choice to replace him.
A fan favorite and the best dual-threat quarterback in program history, Robinson quickly received support from another Cowboys legend, Dez Bryant, when the Gundy news broke this past week.
"Oklahoma state let's make Zac Robinson the head coach!" Bryant posted on social media.
Timing can be an issue for any college that attempts to hire an NFL coach, with the NFL season running longer (Oklahoma State's final regular season game is Nov. 29). While national signing day is in February, most high school stars commit in December -- requiring boots on the ground to handle recruiting until the NFL calendar ends.
In this instance, if Robinson did get the job, he could hire a staff to recruit while working dual jobs until the NFL season ended. It would be a challenge, but not unprecedented. Former Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis did so when he was hired by Notre Dame during the 2004 season.
If the search moves like many expect, Robinson could have the opportunity to do just that.
