The Atlanta Falcons are shaking things up after a tough loss to the Carolina Panthers. The team has fired wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard and announced that offensive coordinator Zac Robinson will now move from the coaching box to the sideline.
Head coach Raheem Morris confirmed the change on Monday, saying Robinson will take a more hands-on role with players on the field. The move, first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, is aimed at sparking a lackluster offense that struggled to find rhythm in Sunday’s defeat. As talented as this offense is putting up zero points is inexcusable.
The firing of Hilliard is the most direct response to a receiving group that has underperformed through the early part of the season. Despite having playmakers like Drake London and Kyle Pitts in the passing attack, the Falcons failed to produce consistent separation or big plays against Carolina.
Moving Robinson from the booth to the sideline is another attempt to create better communication and in-game adjustments. Morris believes Robinson’s presence on the field can help steady quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and give the entire offense more immediate feedback during critical moments.
The Falcons entered the year with higher expectations than previous years. After taking Penix ninth overall in the 2024 draft and now inserting him as the starter to start this season, the offense has been anything but steady. Atlanta has had some frustration mounting after a divisional loss that should have been winnable.
Whether these moves will be enough to jump-start the attack remains to be seen. The pressure is now squarely on Robinson to bring cohesion to the sideline and for Penix and the wide receivers to get on the same page with a new approach from the coaching staff.
For a team desperate to stay competitive in the NFC South after dropping their second game against a division team after Sunday’s loss, these changes send a clear message: the Falcons know they need answers fast.