Cory Robinson, a Tennessee defensive analyst, is set to return to the NFL coaching ranks as the next cornerbacks coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to Matt Zenitz. Robinson’s impending exit from the Volunteers program comes only one year after his arrival in Knoxville. He helped the Vols’ defensive turnaround before returning to the coaching carousel, supervising an improvement that saw Tennessee go from 91st to 32nd in total defense in a single year.
While analysts are not permitted to personally train athletes or undertake off-campus recruiting trips, Robinson supported Tennessee’s defensive coaching staff, with a focus on defensive backs. The Vols ranked 64th in the FBS in passing defense, allowing 221.5 yards per game, and seven defensive backs, including mainstays Doneiko Slaughter and Tamarion McDonald, transferred at the end of the 2023 season.
Robinson returned to collegiate football coaching for his one year at Tennessee following a three-year NFL career. The former Central Connecticut State student-athlete began his coaching career at the high school level before moving up to a collegiate position in 2015. During his first season in the FBS, he played for Toledo, Temple, Rutgers, and Maryland.
Robinson’s most successful season came in 2017 at Temple, as he helped the Owls lead the American Athletic Conference in pass defense, allowing only 206.8 yards per game. He was a defensive backs coach at all four of the aforementioned colleges before becoming the passing game coordinator at Rutgers and Maryland.
Robinson’s first NFL position came in 2020 as an assistant defensive backs coach with the New Orleans Saints. His 2021 team finished fourth in the league for scoring defense, seventh in total defense, and third in touchdown passes allowed.
Despite its transfer exodus, Tennessee appears to be on track for another strong defensive season. Several instant-impact transfers, like former Oregon State cornerback Jermod McCoy and ex-Stanford defensive lineman Jaxson Moi, have committed to the Vols.
The Vols’ 2024 success, however, is entirely dependent on second-year quarterback Nico Iamaleava and his ability to restore the offense to tremendous heights. The former five-star recruit is projected to be one of the SEC’s best starting signal-callers in his first year atop the depth chart after a strong performance in the Citrus Bowl, completing 12-of-19 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown while rushing for three more touchdowns against Iowa’s renowned defense.
