When Oklahoma State University made the difficult decision to part ways with longtime head coach Mike Gundy, the ripple effect was immediate. Questions about legacy quickly gave way to speculation about the future. Who would take the reins of a program that Gundy had led for two decades? For former OSU star wide receiver Dez Bryant, the answer was clear — and personal. On social media, Bryant publicly threw his support behind his former quarterback, Zac Robinson, as the ideal candidate to become the next head coach in Stillwater. The sentiment has quickly gained traction among OSU fans and alumni, sparking conversations about what the next chapter of Cowboys football should look like.
A True Cowboy at Heart
Zac Robinson is far from just a nostalgic pick. He was the starting quarterback for Oklahoma State during one of its most exciting stretches in the late 2000s, playing alongside Bryant in a dynamic offense that helped elevate the Cowboys on the national stage. His familiarity with the program, the community, and the expectations that come with leading OSU make him a compelling option in a moment where both continuity and change are needed. Robinson understands the foundation that Mike Gundy built — he lived it. But more importantly, he has spent the last six years building a coaching résumé that reflects where college football is heading.
The Resume: More Than Just a Name
Robinson is currently the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons, now in his second season calling plays at the NFL level. Before that, he spent several years working under Sean McVay with the Los Angeles Rams, a coaching tree that has produced some of the sharpest offensive minds in football. Robinson climbed the ranks quickly, beginning as an assistant quarterbacks coach, then shifting to work with receivers, before being promoted to pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach. That steady rise reflects his deep understanding of the game and his ability to lead and communicate — qualities essential for any successful head coach, especially at the college level where player development and scheme installation are year-round commitments.
What makes Robinson an even more intriguing candidate is his blend of tradition and innovation. On one hand, he brings a deep respect for the culture Gundy instilled — toughness, accountability, and player development. On the other, he brings a modern offensive mindset shaped by years in the NFL, where creativity, adaptability, and efficiency are non-negotiable. As college football continues to evolve with the transfer portal, NIL, and an ever-shifting competitive landscape, programs need leaders who not only understand change but can embrace it. That’s where Oklahoma State has fallen behind in recent seasons, and that’s where Robinson could bring immediate value.
The timing feels right, too. Replacing a coach with 20 years of experience is no small task. The transition requires someone who can unify the fanbase, maintain a sense of identity, and inject new energy into the program. Bringing in someone from outside the OSU family might create tension or disconnect. Robinson, however, offers a bridge — a familiar face with fresh ideas. His return would likely energize alumni, help stabilize recruiting efforts, and show current players that the program is investing in both its future and its roots.
The Concerns Are Real — But Not Detrimental
Of course, Robinson isn’t a perfect candidate. The biggest concern is his lack of head coaching experience. Running an NFL offense, while impressive, is not the same as overseeing a college program with all its moving parts — from compliance and academics to recruiting and culture building. But Robinson’s experience at the highest level of football, especially under a detail-oriented coach like McVay, suggests he’s more than ready for the responsibility. Many of today’s top college coaches got their start without head coaching experience, but with the right vision and staff in place, they succeeded. Robinson could be the next in that line.
The Bottom Line
Dez Bryant’s endorsement isn’t just about friendship or sentiment. It’s about vision. It’s about identifying a leader who understands what Oklahoma State was, what it is, and what it can be. In a time when the Cowboys need a new identity without losing what made them special, Zac Robinson might just be the perfect person to lead that transformation. His resume, his connection to the university, and his rise in the coaching world make him more than a feel-good story — they make him a legitimate candidate.
Oklahoma State has a crucial decision ahead. The wrong hire could set the program back years. The right one could spark a new era. With so much on the line, it’s no wonder Cowboy fans are rallying behind one of their own. Zac Robinson represents the past, the present, and potentially, the future of Oklahoma State football. And if Dez Bryant has his way, the next time Robinson steps foot in Boone Pickens Stadium, it might be as the man in charge.