Charlie Robust’s Strategy Making Bucs Defensive Line Even Stronger

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The Bucs line of defense has arguably been the best power of the unit all through the workforce’s success within the 2020s. It has seen numerous iterations, nevertheless it seems to be to be as formidable as ever in 2025.

Two weeks into coaching camp, new line of defense coach Charlie Robust helps make the group even stronger whereas bringing a distinct method. Gone is Kacy Rodgers, who got here in with head coach Todd Bowles in 2019 after having a protracted working relationship collectively. Whereas Robust remains to be working to develop belief with Bowles and the remainder of the fellows, they imagine he’s the fitting addition to the room.

Coming In With Intensive Defensive Information, Charlie Robust Passes It On

Charlie Robust’s teaching resume is steeped in defensive excellence throughout each school soccer and the NFL. With over three many years of expertise, Robust has constructed up a repute as a revered defensive thoughts.

Bucs DL Coach Charlie Robust – Photograph by: USA At present

Robust’s ascent started as a linebackers coach and defensive coordinator on the collegiate degree, with standout tenures at South Carolina and Florida. At Florida, he helped engineer two nationwide championship defenses below City Meyer (2006 and 2008). His 2008 Gators protection ranked fourth nationally in scoring (permitting simply 12.9 factors per recreation) and was loaded with future NFL expertise, showcasing Robust’s capability to develop professionals and scheme towards elite offenses.

He went on to develop into head coach at Louisville in 2010, the place his defensive philosophy turned the Cardinals right into a powerhouse. In 2012, he led this system to a Sugar Bowl upset over Florida, which was a signature win towards his former workforce.

Robust’s defensive roots carried by means of throughout head teaching stints at Texas and USF, and later into the NFL. In 2021, he joined the Jacksonville Jaguars as assistant head coach and inside linebackers coach. Whereas Meyer was a catastrophe teaching the workforce that season, reuniting with him supplied direct expertise with NFL velocity and schemes.

Bucs DL Coach Charlie Robust – Photograph by: USA At present

All through his profession, Robust has emphasised fundamentals, tackling, hole integrity, and physicality – typically preferring an aggressive method that places strain on offenses to execute.

Robust is now bringing that brings that very same defensive id to the Bucs line of defense.

“Charlie could be very good,” Todd Bowles mentioned about what Robust supplies. “He brings a distinct method. Working approach and arms is one thing that we’re making an attempt to work on. Our cross rush is one thing we’re actually making an attempt to work on, and he brings a wealth of expertise there. I believe the fellows are adapting to it fairly [well]. I’m actually enthusiastic about what he’s doing.”

Bucs DTs Vita Vea And Calijah Kancey Talk about Charlie Robust’s Early Impression

Charlie Robust has coached loads of gamers within the school ranks through the years, together with a few guys now on the Bucs in defensive sort out Elijah Roberts and out of doors linebacker Chris Braswell. Roberts was below Robust at Miami in 2022 earlier than transferring and having success at SMU, whereas Braswell was below his supervision whereas he served as a defensive analyst at Alabama in 2023.

Bucs DT Elijah Roberts and DL coach Charlie Robust – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR

The stark distinction for Robust returning to the very best degree is among the extra established gamers he’ll teaching. That features Professional Bowl defensive sort out Vita Vea and the promising Calijah Kancey, who he’s already build up rapport with.

Vea is somebody who is continually studying, even in his eighth NFL season. He has began to choose up new issues from his new coach.

“[He’s] been a great addition,” Vea mentioned. “Clearly, Kacy [Rodgers] was good for us, however one thing new for us. You hate to see Kacy go, however issues occur. I really feel like Charlie has been a breath of contemporary air for us. Now that he’s right here, simply studying extra in regards to the recreation from him and stuff. Him giving us the liberty to go on the market and play.”

Bucs DT Vita Vea and DL Coach Charlie Robust – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR

In the case of Kancey, all indicators level to him growing right into a dominant cross rusher – if he stays wholesome and avoids an early-season harm. Whereas Kancey has been flying round in camp with the lofty objective of main the league in sacks, he has picked up what Robust is placing down in relation to the main target required to make performs always.

“Charlie Robust is a good man,” Kancey mentioned. “He actually needs us to penetrate [the offensive line], he needs us to make performs like each different coach would. He’s only a man who needs us to make the performs, he needs the performs to be made in our room, which all of us need as nicely. That’s why I like him as a coach – I do know there is likely to be a play {that a} defensive again or a linebacker may make however he says, ‘We might’ve [done] this and made this occur.’ He simply actually needs us to affect the ball each play.”