The Los Angeles Chargers have an era-defining decision to make this offseason as they search for a new offensive coordinator. Former offensive coordinator Greg Roman was ultimately fired after two seasons of mediocrity and a pair of embarrassing Wild Card Round defeats.
They have already interviewed a host of candidates, but it remains unclear whether Harbaugh is looking for a trusted, veteran coordinator or a younger, more innovative candidate.
Yet there is one whom they should keep as far away from as possible: former Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson.
The Chargers interviewed Robinson back in 2023, when Kellen Moore was ultimately hired in a desperate attempt to keep the regime at that time afloat. With Jim Harbaugh as the head coach now, they cannot afford to even consider Robinson as an option.
Chargers need to avoid Zac Robinson in their search for an offensive coordinator
After spending five seasons under Sean McVay in various roles for the Los Angeles Rams, it appeared as though Robinson was ready for a promotion at the conclusion of the 2022 season. He received some interviews but ultimately returned to Los Angeles for the 2023 season to spend one more year as passing game coordinator.
The Rams' success in 2023 ultimately landed Robinson a job with the Falcons, but he found very little success there. In his tenure under Raheem Morris, Atlanta finished 19th and 21st in total offense.
While Kirk Cousins' struggles can take part of the blame for this fact, Robinson routinely struggled to put together a viable scheme for Michael Penix Jr. when he was available.
Even with talents such as Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts at his disposal, Robinson's unimaginative scheme and over-reliance on the pistol formation limited the team immensely. In short, it was his unwillingness and inability to adapt that led to his firing.
Sound familiar?
Robinson will almost certainly get a job as an offensive coordinator this offseason, and it's probable that he would still be in Atlanta if the organization had not decided to fully clean house.
Yet Los Angeles must do all they can this offseason to find a coordinator who has a clearly outlined plan for maximizing Justin Herbert's talent both in the passing and in the run game. Penix is nowhere near the caliber of quarterback that Herbert is, but Robinson's failures with the Falcons should automatically disqualify him for the job.
The Chargers have not interviewed Robinson yet, and fans better hope it stays that way.