Report: Elijah Robinson to take Syracuse defensive coordinator job

Texas A&M interim coach Elijah Robinson had plenty of interest from other programs around the country, but the up-and-coming defensive line coach has apparently found his new home.

According to a report from Billy Liucci of TexAgs.com, Robinson is set to become the defensive coordinator at Syracuse.

Liucci added that new Texas A&M coach Mike Elko had sought to retain Robinson, offering to make him the highest-paid position coach in college football.

But while Robinson had a co-defensive coordinator title at Texas A&M, this will mark his first time running a defense by himself, so it’s a significant opportunity to round out his coaching resume.

Robinson took over as the interim coach at Texas A&M late this season after the Aggies parted ways with coach Jimbo Fisher. Robinson put together a 1-1 record.

It’s unclear as of yet whether Robinson will remain with the Aggies to coach in a bowl game. Texas A&M finished the season 7-5, but its bowl destination has not yet been announced.

Robinson has some history with new Syracuse coach Fran Brown, who left Georgia to take over the Orange. The two were on the same staff at both Temple and Baylor.

While Robinson coached the defensive line at Temple from 2014-16, Brown was the Owls’ defensive backs coach. Then the two were on staff at Baylor in 2017 in the same capacity.

That familiarity and the chance to move upward in the coaching ranks likely played heavily into Robinson’s decision.

Elijah Robinson’s name had been linked to other job openings, as well, notably including Florida‘s open defensive line position.

The Elijah Robinson File

2022-23 – Texas A&M (assistant head coach, run game coordinator, defensive line)
2018-21 – Texas A&M (defensive line)
2017 – Baylor (defensive line)
2016 – Temple (defensive line, run game coordinator)
2014-15 – Temple (defensive line)
2012-13 – Penn State (director of community relations / NFL liaison)
2006-11 – Penn State (coach)