Giants Assistant Leaves for Raiders After Just Days on the Job

Matt Robinson departs New York for Las Vegas after being hired as assistant defensive line coach

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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In a surprising move, Matt Robinson is leaving the New York Giants just days after being hired as the team's assistant defensive line coach. Robinson will instead join the Las Vegas Raiders as their secondary coach under head coach Klint Kubiak and defensive coordinator Rob Leonard, both of whom he previously worked with in Baltimore.

Why it matters

The sudden departure of a newly hired assistant coach is an unusual occurrence in the NFL, raising questions about the reasons behind Robinson's decision to leave the Giants so quickly. This move also impacts the Giants' defensive coaching staff as they try to build continuity under new head coach John Harbaugh.

The details

Robinson was hired by the Giants earlier this offseason, following Harbaugh from the Baltimore Ravens where he spent the last five seasons in various defensive coaching roles, most recently as the outside linebackers coach in 2025. The Giants announced their full coaching staff on Friday, listing Robinson as the assistant defensive line coach under coordinator Dennard Wilson. However, the Giants have now granted permission and supported Robinson's departure to join the Raiders.

  • Robinson was hired by the Giants earlier this offseason.
  • The Giants announced their full 2026 coaching staff on Friday, February 16, 2026.
  • Robinson is leaving the Giants to join the Raiders just days after being hired.

The players

Matt Robinson

A former defensive coach with the Baltimore Ravens, Robinson was recently hired as the assistant defensive line coach for the New York Giants before departing for the Las Vegas Raiders.

John Harbaugh

The new head coach of the New York Giants, who previously worked with Robinson on the Ravens' coaching staff.

Klint Kubiak

The head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, who Robinson will be joining as the team's secondary coach.

Rob Leonard

The defensive coordinator of the Las Vegas Raiders, who Robinson previously worked with in Baltimore.

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The takeaway

The sudden departure of a newly hired assistant coach is an unusual occurrence in the NFL, raising questions about the reasons behind Robinson's decision to leave the Giants so quickly. This move impacts the Giants' defensive coaching staff as they try to build continuity under new head coach John Harbaugh.