Raiders Poach Giants Assistant Coach

Matt Robinson leaves John Harbaugh's staff for secondary coach role in Las Vegas.

Feb. 16, 2026 at 9:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The New York Giants have lost assistant defensive line coach Matt Robinson, who is departing to become the secondary coach for the Las Vegas Raiders under new head coach Klint Kubiak. Robinson previously worked for five seasons under Giants head coach John Harbaugh with the Baltimore Ravens.

Why it matters

The loss of Robinson is a blow to the Giants' defensive coaching staff, which Harbaugh had just assembled. However, the move represents a promotion for Robinson to a more prominent role with the Raiders, and the Giants have reportedly supported the decision.

The details

Robinson worked as an assistant defensive line coach and outside linebackers coach under Harbaugh in Baltimore. In Las Vegas, he will reunite with new Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Leonard, who previously worked with the Giants.

  • Robinson was hired by the Giants on Friday, February 10, 2026.
  • Robinson is leaving the Giants to join the Raiders staff, effective immediately.

The players

Matt Robinson

A former assistant defensive line coach for the New York Giants, who is departing to become the secondary coach for the Las Vegas Raiders.

John Harbaugh

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

Klint Kubiak

The new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, who has hired Robinson to be the team's secondary coach.

Rob Leonard

The new defensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders, who previously worked with the New York Giants as a defensive assistant and assistant outside linebackers coach.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Giants supported the move, which is obviously an advancement in responsibility for Robinson.”

— Adam Schefter

What’s next

The Giants will need to fill the assistant defensive line coach role vacated by Robinson's departure.

The takeaway

This move represents an opportunity for growth for Robinson, but also highlights the challenge of retaining coaching talent, especially when other teams offer promotions. The Giants will need to quickly find a replacement to maintain continuity on their defensive coaching staff.