Brent Key says more Georgia Tech football staff changes could be coming
Brent Key fired four members of his Georgia Tech football staff Monday.
More changes could follow.
With three games remaining and the Yellow Jackets sitting at 2-7, Key on Tuesday did not rule out further staff adjustments.
He said he told his remaining staff, “Just because everyone is sitting here right now doesn’t mean that you should be comfortable that you’re going to remain here. Because this is based on production and this is based on the ability to be a leader at your respective position, to hold your position accountable and how we perform on Saturdays.”
Key dismissed defensive coordinator Jason Semore, offensive line coach Allen Mogridge, defensive ends coach Kyle Pope and wide receivers coach Jafar Williams.
The moves came less than 48 hours after the Jackets’ 44-17 loss to Louisville, their fourth consecutive defeat. The loss assured Tech of its first losing season since 2022 and eliminated the Jackets from bowl eligibility.
“It had come to a breaking point,” Key said.
“Everyone in here deserves blame and should be held accountable. That begins with me. I chose to bring those men here and make those decisions. Making those decisions is what’s necessary in leading the organization.”
Semore’s departure marks another change at a position Key has struggled to stabilize. He was the fourth full-time defensive coordinator since Key took over the program in 2023.
Semore, who served on Tech’s staff in 2022 as linebackers coach, was a sought-after coordinator after his Southern Miss defense led the country in interceptions last season. He initially accepted the defensive coordinator position at Memphis before Key hired him.
But Semore’s defense at Tech ranked among the worst units in the country in several categories. The Jackets rank 136th among 138 FBS teams in rushing defense, allowing nearly 223 yards per game. The defense also has recorded just 12 sacks, ranking 113th nationally, and two interceptions, ranking 132nd.
Defensive backs coach Vinnie Sunseri will call the defense Saturday at Clemson, though he has not officially been given the title of interim coordinator.
“What I told them was, I want things simplified,” Key said. “I don’t want a call in unless everyone’s on the same page. Camaraderie and full collaboration as a staff and everyone know how to align. Consistent alignments, consistent assignments and being able to communicate.”
Mogridge had previously worked with Key at UCF and served as a senior adviser to the head coach at Tech before becoming Appalachian State’s offensive line coach in 2024.
His return to Tech did not produce what the offense needed up front.
The Jackets have averaged 119 rushing yards per game, 116th nationally, and allowed 25 sacks, also 116th.
Injuries also forced Tech to use different combinations up front. Five players who started on the offensive line — Ethan Mackenny, Jameson Riggs, Joseph Ionata, Markell Samuel and Kevin Peay Jr. — have all missed games.
Assistant O-line coach Brandon Torrey will take over the unit.
“It didn’t look the way it was supposed to look,” Key said. “But at the end of the day that’s the foundational blocks of the program. Being able to run the ball and protect the quarterback, it starts up front.”
DeAndre Hopkins will serve as wide receivers coach. Defensive line coach Jess Simpson will coach defensive ends and outside linebackers, while senior analyst Jack Tyler will coach linebackers.
Key said Tuesday that he will continue to evaluate the staff as he begins planning for 2027.
That includes the coaches who were not dismissed Monday.
Offensive coordinator George Godsey remains in place, despite an offense that ranks 97th in the country in scoring at 23.9 points per game. The remaining games will give Godsey and the rest of the offensive staff an opportunity to make their case to stay.
Key said he has overhauled his process for evaluating potential hires, adding questions to the interview process and placing greater emphasis on what a coach’s previous work looks like on film.
The changes to the hiring process are part of a broader effort by Key to address the shortcomings that led to this season.
“You don’t live in the past, but you dang sure learn from the past,” Key said. “The things that became the deterrent within it, those will be corrected and are being corrected. When I say corrected, things either change or they disappear.”