Greg Robinson Joining San Jose State Staff as Defensive Coordinator

Greg Robinson, a veteran coach who has worked in both the NCAA and NFL, has been signed as defensive coordinator by San Jose State, according to Contra Costa Times.

Robinson had been out of coaching (professionally) since 2010, but was signed by Texas in 2013 as a quality control assistant, and was asked to replace Manny Diaz early last season. With the new administration replacing Mack Brown, Robinson was surplus to requirements. When SJSU predecessor Kenwick Thompson left to work at Vanderbilt, the university wasted little time in hiring Robinsons.

Dec 30, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive coordinator Greg Robinson instructs his team during the first half against Oregon Ducks at Alamo Dome. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

The veteran coach had a tough time in his sole head coaching gig, winning just 10 games in 4 years with Syracuse from 2005-2008, but he has an excellent track record as a defensive coordinator. His defenses helped the Denver Broncos win Super Bowls in 1997 and 1998, and he worked with Dick Vermeil in Kansas City from 2001-3.

His 2004 Texas team allowed just 17.9 points per game in a Rose Bowl winning season, leading to his Syracuse job. He took over as defensive coordinator at Michigan under Rich Rodriguez, but his defenses never gelled. When RichRod was fired, Robinson was let go too, and he didn’t work again until last season.

Robinson has a pre-existing relationship with new San Jose State coach Ron Caragher, who was a backup quarterback at UCLA when Robinson coached defensive line there. In Caragher’s senior season, Robinson spent a year as offensive coordinator, where the 2 got to know each other.

The Spartans defense was 105th in the nation in scoring defense last season, so it looks like the veteran coach will have quite a job on his hands. Even at 62, Robinson thinks he has a lot to offer.