Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson confirmed the hiring of former Auburn assistant Mike Pelton to coach the defensive line. The hiring was reported earlier in the week.
“We actually talked to a couple people,” Johnson said. “I was impressed with Coach Pelton and (defensive coordinator) Ted (Roof) had worked with him, so it was a natural move.”
Pelton coached at Auburn 2011-12, working with Roof in the 2011 season before Roof left for Central Florida and ultimately to Penn State. Pelton was released from the Tigers staff after the firing of Gene Chizik and the hiring of Gus Malzahn. Pelton was a former All-SEC player at Auburn who previously coached at Valdosta State, Troy, Iowa State and Vanderbilt.
Johnson also confirmed the roles for the defensive staff – Andy McCollum will coach linebackers and Joe Speed and Roof will coach the secondary. Dave Walkosky, who took on defensive line coaching duties after the firing of defensive coordinator, will return to special teams.
With the hiring of Roof, the addition of Pelton completes Tech's staff after Groh's firing and the departure of secondary coach/interim coordinator Charles Kelly to Florida State.
