Greg Robinson, a two-time Super Bowl winning coach and four-time Rose Bowl winner, has been named the University of Michigan football program's defensive coordinator, head coach Rich Rodriguez announced today (Tuesday, Jan. 10). Robinson spent the past four seasons as the head coach at Syracuse University (2005-08).
"Greg brings a wealth of experience as a defensive coordinator, both at the collegiate and professional level,"
said Rodriguez. "We are excited to have Greg, Laura and their entire family join our Michigan family. I know that Greg will work well with our defensive staff, entire football staff and players."
Robinson was the co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at the University of Texas during the 2004 season prior to assuming head coaching duties at Syracuse. He spent 10 of his 14 years coaching in the NFL as a defensive coordinator with the Kansas City Chiefs (2001-03), Denver Broncos (1995-2000) and New York Jets (1994). He was the Jets' defensive line coach for four seasons (1990-93) prior to his appointment as the franchise's defensive coordinator.
Robinson was the Broncos' defensive coordinator during the organization's run to back-to-back Super Bowl titles in 1997 and 1998. His teams qualified for the playoffs in seven of his 14 seasons in professional football.
At the collegiate level, Robinson compiled an 8-0 mark in bowl games, including four Rose Bowl victories at the University of Texas (2004) and UCLA (1982, 1983 and 1985). He spent eight years with the UCLA Bruins, coaching the defensive line for seven seasons (1982-88) and coordinating the offense during the 1989 campaign. Robinson had collegiate stints at North Carolina State (1980-81), Cal State Fullerton (1977-79) and the University of the Pacific (1975-76).
A Los Angeles, Calif., native, Robinson played linebacker at Bakersfield Community College (1970-71) before enrolling at Pacific for his final three seasons (1972-74). He graduated from Pacific with a bachelor's degree in political science in 1975.
Robinson and his wife, Laura, have three children: Dominic, Lindsay and Leslie.