Tennessee defensive analyst Cory Robinson is expected to return to the NFL coaching ranks as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ next cornerbacks, Matt Zenitz reports. Robinson’s likely departure from the Volunteers program comes just one year after arriving in Knoxville. He helped turn around the Vols’ defense before joining the coaching staff, overseeing an improvement that took Tennessee from 91st nationally in total defense to 32nd in one year.Although analysts are not allowed to coach players directly or take off-campus recruiting visits, Robinson assisted the Tennessee defensive coaching staff with a focus on defensive backs. The Vols were 64th in the FBS in pass defense — giving up 221.5 yards per game — and had seven defensive backs on the transfer window at the end of the 2023 season, including starters Doneiko Slaughter and Tamarion McDonald.Robinson returned to the college football coaching ranks for his only year at Tennessee after three years in the NFL. The former Central Connecticut State student-athlete began his coaching career at the high school level before transitioning to the college position in 2015. During his first FBS stint, he spent time at Toledo, Temple, Rutgers and Maryland..
Aside from those stops, Robinson’s biggest success came during the 2017 season at Temple, where he helped the Owls lead the American Athletic Conference in pass defense, allowing just 206.8 yards per game through the air. He worked as a defensive backs coach at all four of the schools mentioned above and took on the game coordinator tag at Rutgers and Maryland.Robinson landed his first NFL job in 2020 when he joined the staff of the New Orleans Saints as a defensive backs coach. His 2021 unit was fourth in the league in scoring defense, seventh in total defense and third in passing yards allowed..
Tennessee, on the other hand, could be poised for another strong year on defense despite transition issues. The Vols have landed commitments from several immediate transfers, including former Oregon State cornerback Jermod McCoy and former Stanford defensive lineman Jaxson Moi.However, the Vols’ success in 2024 will depend heavily on second-year quarterback Nico Iamaleava and his ability to lead the offense back up. The former five-star recruit is becoming one of the top starting signal callers in the SEC in his first year on the depth chart after a strong performance in the Citrus Bowl, going 12/19 for 151 yards and a touchdown. . three extra touchdowns against a vaunted Iowa defense..
Tennessee was given a tough schedule in the first year of the SEC’s 16-team era, traveling to Oklahoma and Georgia and a home date with Alabama. However, the Vols are well inside the top 25 this season.. Jacksonville fired Meyer after a 2-11 start to his first season. The problems on the field were obvious for the Jaguars, as was Meyerand#039; off-field options.andquot;I just apologize to Jacksonville andquot; Meyer said after being fired, via NFL.com. andquot;I love Jacksonville. That’s one of the reasons I took the job. I think Shadand#039; is still a great owner. It’s heartbreaking. I just had a dream that it would become a destination with the new facility he agreed to build and one day enter the stadium. Because I know how badly the people of Jacksonville want it. So I’m just devastated that we didn’t get to do it. I still believe it will. Itand#039;s too good a place.andquot;.
