The Raiders have appointed Matt Robinson as their new safeties coach, marking a significant addition to the team's coaching staff. Robinson brings a wealth of experience, having spent the past five seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, where he made a notable impact. During his time with the Ravens, Robinson played a crucial role in the team's defensive success, particularly in 2024, where they boasted the NFL's best rush defense, allowing just 80.1 rushing yards per game, 3.6 yards per rush, and 69 rushing first downs. This was a testament to the team's overall defensive prowess, which was further highlighted by their second-ranked sacks (54) and QB hits (115).
In 2023, Robinson's contributions were equally impressive. He served as the defensive quality control coach, focusing on the defensive front. The Ravens' defense became the first in NFL history to lead in points allowed (16.5 ppg), sacks (60), and takeaways (31). This remarkable achievement was a result of the team's collective effort, with 16 defenders recording at least one sack and contributing to the league-leading 60 QB takedowns. The defense was anchored by three players with 9-plus sacks, including Jadeveon Clowney, Nnamdi Madubuike, and Kyle Van Noy.
In 2022, Robinson worked primarily with the defensive backs, who were instrumental in the team's success. The unit ranked third in points allowed per game (18.5) and had the lowest defensive red zone touchdown percentage (46.4) in the NFL. Robinson's mentorship of Marlon Humphrey was particularly notable, as he made his third Pro Bowl after recording at least 3 interceptions and 3 sacks, joining Kyle Hamilton, who earned PFWA All-Rookie honors for his impressive performance.
Robinson's journey began in 2021 when he joined the Ravens as a coaching fellow, assisting with the outside linebackers. The Ravens' defense was once again a force to be reckoned with, ranking first in rush defense (84.5 ypg) and third in third-down defense (34.8%). Robinson's coaching prowess was evident in his guidance of Odafe Oweh, who became the first Ravens player since 2014 to record double-digit sacks in a single season, alongside Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs.
Prior to his time with the Ravens, Robinson had a successful coaching career at the collegiate level. He spent four seasons coaching at Maryland and Connecticut, where he worked as a defensive quality control coach and graduate assistant. In 2020, he played a pivotal role in Maryland's defense, which averaged 2.8 sacks per game, the second-best mark in the Big Ten. Robinson's coaching expertise was further showcased through his mentorship of Keandre Jones, who led the team in sacks, forced fumbles, and quarterback hits.
Born in Columbia, MD, Robinson's playing career began at the University of Maryland, where he appeared in 39 games over five seasons, excelling at both defensive back and linebacker positions. His impressive statistics include 198 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, 1 interception, 13 passes defended, 4 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. Robinson's academic achievements include a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a master's degree in supply chain management. This comprehensive background makes him an invaluable asset to the Raiders' coaching staff, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team.
