[13] In 2003, Robinson joined the coaching staff of the Illinois State Redbirds men's basketball team under Moser.
[18] Robinson became an assistant coach for the Iowa State Cyclones men's basketball team starting in the 2008–2009 season.
[26][27][28] During his first stint at Iowa State with head coach Greg McDermott, Robinson was responsible for recruiting players from Chicago and junior colleges.
[29][32] Following the deaths of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Jacob Blake, all in 2020, Robinson contacted fellow coaches across the Big 12 Conference.
[33][34] Dainyal Robinson's older brother David also played basketball for Rock Island High School, at Indian Hills, then later for the Quad City Thunder.