Terry Robiskie: NFL Head Coach & Veteran Football Mind

Terry Robiskie is a respected figure in American football, known for his long-standing contributions as both a player and coach in the National Football League (NFL). Born on November 12, 1954, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Robiskie played college football as a running back at Louisiana State University (LSU), where he was a standout performer and team captain.

Playing Career

• College: LSU (1973–1976) – Star running back, team captain, MVP of the 1976 Sun Bowl
• NFL: Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders (1977–1979), Miami Dolphins (1980–1981)
• Accumulated 553 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns in his NFL career
• Won Super Bowl XV as a member of the Raiders

Coaching Career

• Began coaching with the Los Angeles Raiders in 1982, spending over a decade with the franchise in various offensive roles
• 1994–1999: Wide Receivers Coach & Passing Game Coordinator, Washington Redskins
• 2000: Interim Head Coach, Washington Redskins (3-3 record to close out the 2000 season)
• 2001–2003: Offensive Coordinator, Cleveland Browns
• 2004–2006: Wide Receivers Coach (and briefly Interim Head Coach in 2004), Cleveland Browns
• 2007–2015: Wide Receivers Coach, Atlanta Falcons
• 2016–2017: Offensive Coordinator, Tennessee Titans
• Later roles included stints with the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars (RB Coach, 2018–2019)

Highlights & Accomplishments

• Known as a player-friendly coach and excellent teacher of offensive fundamentals
• Helped develop Pro Bowl receivers like Roddy White and Julio Jones in Atlanta
• One of the few coaches to serve as interim head coach for two different NFL franchises
• Super Bowl Champion (XV, as a player)

Terry Robiskie is widely respected for his adaptability, leadership, and mentorship. He has left a mark on nearly every team he has worked with, helping to develop young talent and shape offensive schemes across the NFL for over three decades.

Legacy & Career Overview

Terry Robiskie: A Comprehensive Biography

Terry Robiskie is a respected figure in American football, known for his extensive contributions both as a player and as a coach in the National Football League (NFL). Over several decades, Robiskie has built a reputation as a dedicated, knowledgeable, and influential football mind, particularly in the realm of offensive coaching and player development.

Early Life and College Career

Born on November 12, 1954, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Terry Joseph Robiskie demonstrated athletic talent from an early age. He attended Second Ward High School in Edgard, Louisiana, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete. Robiskie continued his education and football career at Louisiana State University (LSU), where he played as a running back for the LSU Tigers from 1973 to
1976. During his collegiate tenure, Robiskie was known for his versatility, toughness, and leadership on the field. He finished his career at LSU with strong rushing numbers, setting the stage for an opportunity in the NFL.

NFL Playing Career

Terry Robiskie was selected in the eighth round (223rd overall) of the 1977 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. As a running back, he played five seasons in the NFL—four with the Raiders (1977–1980) and one with the Miami Dolphins (1981). During his time with the Raiders, Robiskie contributed as both a rusher and receiver out of the backfield. He accumulated 553 rushing yards and 180 receiving yards, scoring five touchdowns over his professional playing career. Robiskie was part of the Raiders' roster during their Super Bowl XV-winning season in 1980, earning a championship ring as a member of the team. Though not a star player, his grit and work ethic made him a valued teammate and set the foundation for his later transition into coaching.

Coaching Career

Following his retirement as a player, Robiskie quickly transitioned into coaching, beginning a remarkable journey that would span over three decades. He first joined the Raiders' coaching staff in 1982 as the assistant running backs coach, eventually rising to wide receivers coach and then offensive coordinator. His early coaching years saw him work alongside legendary head coaches and develop a deep understanding of offensive football.

Over the years, Robiskie served in various key coaching roles for multiple NFL teams:

• Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders (1982–1993): Assistant coach, primarily working with running backs and wide receivers. He was part of the coaching staff during the Raiders' Super Bowl XVIII victory in 1983.
• Washington Redskins (1994–2000): Wide receivers coach and later offensive coordinator (1999–2000). During the 2000 season, he served as the interim head coach for the final three games after Norv Turner was fired, finishing with a 1-2 record as interim leader.
• Cleveland Browns (2001–2006): Wide receivers coach and then offensive coordinator. He also served as the Browns' interim head coach for the final five games of the 2004 season, compiling a 1-4 record.
• Miami Dolphins (2007): Wide receivers coach.
• Atlanta Falcons (2008–2015): Wide receivers coach. Robiskie played a significant role in developing star receivers such as Roddy White and Julio Jones, helping the Falcons reach the NFC Championship Game in the 2012 season.
• Tennessee Titans (2016–2017): Offensive coordinator under head coach Mike Mularkey.
• Buffalo Bills (2018): Wide receivers coach.
• Jacksonville Jaguars (2019): Running backs coach.

Coaching Philosophy and Legacy

Robiskie is known for his player-friendly approach, ability to teach fundamentals, and knack for developing young talent. He has mentored numerous Pro Bowlers and All-Pros, with his most notable work coming with wide receivers in Atlanta. His leadership and experience made him a steadying presence on several coaching staffs, and his ability to step into interim head coaching roles on short notice speaks to the respect he commands in NFL circles.

Personal Life and Family

Football is a family tradition for the Robiskies. Terry's son, Brian Robiskie, was a standout wide receiver at Ohio State and played in the NFL for several teams, including the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions. Another son, Andrew Robiskie, has also worked in football operations and coaching. Terry's commitment to the game and his family’s involvement in football are testaments to his lifelong passion for the sport.

Notable Achievements and Honors

• Super Bowl XV Champion (as a player, Oakland Raiders)
• Super Bowl XVIII Champion (as a coach, Los Angeles Raiders)
• Interim Head Coach: Washington Redskins (2000), Cleveland Browns (2004)
• Mentored and developed several Pro Bowl wide receivers
• Over 35 years of NFL coaching experience

Conclusion

Terry Robiskie’s long and distinguished career in the NFL is marked by resilience, adaptability, and a deep knowledge of the game. Whether as a player, assistant, coordinator, or interim head coach, Robiskie's impact has been felt across generations of players and coaches. He remains respected within the football community for his dedication, leadership, and the positive influence he has had on so many careers.