Gridiron Strategist
An in-depth academic exploration of Terry Robiskie's distinguished career as a player and influential coach in the National Football League.
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Career Overview
Personal Profile
Terrance Joseph Robiskie, born on November 12, 1954, in New Orleans, Louisiana, has carved a significant path in American football, first as a professional player and subsequently as a highly respected coach in the National Football League (NFL). Standing at 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) and weighing 210 lb (95 kg), Robiskie primarily played as a running back during his athletic career.
A Dual Role in the NFL
Robiskie's professional journey spans over three decades, encompassing five seasons as an NFL running back and an extensive tenure as an assistant coach for numerous prominent franchises. His coaching roles included significant positions such as offensive coordinator and various specialized coaching capacities, demonstrating a versatile and enduring commitment to the sport.
Notable Achievements
Throughout his career, Robiskie has been associated with considerable success, including a Super Bowl championship as a coach with the Los Angeles Raiders. His influence extended to the development of several Pro Bowl athletes, solidifying his reputation as a keen strategist and an effective mentor within the demanding environment of professional football.
Playing Career
Early Life & Collegiate Dominance
Raised in Lucy, Louisiana, Terry Robiskie distinguished himself early as a star quarterback at Second Ward High School in Edgard. His athletic prowess led him to Louisiana State University (LSU) from 1973 to 1976, where he transitioned to a running back. In his senior year (1976), Robiskie earned first-team All-SEC honors, becoming the first LSU running back to achieve over 200 rushing yards in a single game (214 yards against Rice University) and the first to surpass both 1,000 yards in a season and 2,500 yards in a career.
NFL Tenure
Drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the eighth round (223rd overall) of the 1977 NFL Draft, Robiskie embarked on a five-year playing career. He spent three seasons with the Raiders (1977–1979) and two with the Miami Dolphins (1980–1981). During this period, he played under legendary coaches such as John Madden, Tom Flores, and Don Shula. Despite his promising collegiate career, injuries limited his NFL playing statistics to 553 rushing yards and five touchdowns before his retirement.
Coaching Odyssey
Transition to the Sidelines
Following his playing career, Terry Robiskie transitioned seamlessly into coaching, beginning an extensive and impactful journey in the NFL. His coaching career commenced in 1982 with the Los Angeles Raiders, marking the start of a long and varied tenure across multiple franchises, where he held diverse roles from position coach to offensive coordinator and even interim head coach.
A Legacy of Development
Robiskie became renowned for his ability to develop talent, particularly at the running back and wide receiver positions. His strategic insights and dedication to player improvement were consistently recognized, contributing significantly to the offensive performance of the teams he served. His coaching philosophy emphasized fundamental techniques combined with strategic adaptability.
Los Angeles Raiders
Early Coaching Roles
Robiskie's coaching career began with the Los Angeles Raiders in 1982 as an assistant running backs coach. In this capacity, he was instrumental in the development of future Hall of Famer Marcus Allen, guiding him to two Pro Bowl selections and two 1,000-yard rushing seasons. He later served as assistant special teams coach from 1985 to 1987 and as tight ends coach in 1988.
Offensive Coordinator Success
From 1989 to 1993, Robiskie ascended to the role of offensive coordinator for the Raiders. Under his guidance, the offense achieved notable metrics: in 1990, the Raiders ranked ninth in the NFL in rushing yards per game (126.8), and quarterback Jay Schroeder posted a 90.8 passer rating, ranking sixth in the league. By 1993, the Raiders' passing offense ranked fifth in the NFL and 13th in total offense, with quarterback Jeff Hostetler throwing for 3,242 yards and 14 touchdowns. His 12-year tenure with the Raiders included seven playoff appearances, four division titles, and a decisive 38–9 victory in Super Bowl XVIII.
Washington Redskins
Wide Receivers & Passing Game
Robiskie joined the Washington Redskins in 1994, serving as their wide receivers coach for five seasons until 1998. His expertise in offensive strategy led to his appointment as passing game coordinator in 1999. In the 2000 season, he continued in this role, contributing to the Redskins' offense ranking fifth in the NFC in both total offense (337.3 yards per game) and passing offense (228.0 yards per game). He also played a key role in running back Stephen Davis's impressive season, where Davis accumulated 1,318 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, including five 100-yard performances.
Interim Head Coach
Towards the end of the 2000 season, following the departure of Norv Turner, Robiskie assumed the duties of interim head coach for the final three regular-season games. During this brief period, he led the team to a 1–2 record, securing a 20–3 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on December 24. This experience provided him with a direct, albeit short, opportunity to lead an NFL franchise.
Cleveland Browns
Offensive Leadership
In 2001, Robiskie moved to the Cleveland Browns as their wide receivers coach, a position he held through the 2003 season. His consistent performance led to his promotion to offensive coordinator in 2004. However, the season saw significant challenges, culminating in the resignation of head coach Butch Davis. Robiskie stepped in as interim head coach, inheriting an offense struggling with the lowest yards, fewest points scored, and most turnovers in the league.
Post-Interim Role
As interim head coach for the Browns, Robiskie's record was 1–4. Despite interviewing for the permanent head coaching position, the role was ultimately given to Romeo Crennel. Demonstrating his dedication to coaching, Robiskie openly campaigned to remain with the team and was reappointed as wide receivers coach in February 2005, continuing in that capacity until his departure in January 2007.
Further Engagements
Miami Dolphins (2007)
Shortly after his tenure with the Browns, Robiskie was hired by the Miami Dolphins as their wide receivers coach in 2007. This marked a return to a franchise he had played for and reunited him with former Washington Redskins staff member Cam Cameron, who was then the Dolphins' head coach.
Atlanta Falcons (2008–2015)
On January 26, 2008, Robiskie joined the Atlanta Falcons as their wide receivers coach, a role he held for eight seasons. He is widely credited for his instrumental role in the development of star wide receivers Julio Jones and Roddy White, transforming them into elite offensive threats for quarterback Matt Ryan. His contract with the Falcons was not renewed after the 2015 season.
Tennessee Titans (2016–2017)
Robiskie was appointed offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans on January 18, 2016. He served in this critical offensive leadership role for two seasons, contributing to the team's strategic planning and play-calling. His contract with the Titans concluded and was not renewed after the 2017 season.
Buffalo Bills (2018)
In 2018, Robiskie took on the role of wide receivers coach for the Buffalo Bills, joining the team on February 14. His tenure with the Bills was brief, as he was released from his position on January 2, 2019, after one season.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2019–2020)
Terry Robiskie's most recent NFL coaching position was with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he was hired as the running backs coach on January 16, 2019. He continued in this role through the 2020 season, bringing his extensive experience to the development of the team's ground game.
Head Coaching Record
Interim Leadership
Terry Robiskie served as an interim head coach for two NFL franchises during periods of transition. His leadership in these challenging circumstances provided valuable experience, though his tenures were brief. The table below summarizes his head coaching record in the regular season.
Personal Life & Family
Family Ties
Terry Robiskie is married to Cynthia, and together they have three sons: Brian, Andrew, and Kyle. The Robiskie family has a strong connection to American football, with all three sons pursuing careers or playing at collegiate levels in the sport, extending the family's legacy on the gridiron.
A Football Family
- Brian Robiskie: Followed in his father's footsteps into the NFL as a wide receiver. He was drafted in the second round (36th overall) by the Cleveland Browns in the 2009 NFL Draft.[11]
- Andrew Robiskie: Also pursued a professional football career, signing with the Oakland Raiders as a center in the 2013 off-season after going undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft.[12]
- Kyle Robiskie: Played collegiate football as a wide receiver for the Western Illinois University Leathernecks from 2010 to 2013.[13]
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