Georgia Tech’s basketball team has lost strength-and-conditioning coach Dan Taylor to the Charlotte Hornets.
Taylor, who has been on Pastner’s staff since his hiring in 2016, will join the Hornets as their director of applied sports science, Tech coach Josh Pastner told the AJC. Taylor’s final day at Tech was Tuesday.
“We’re going to miss him,” Pastner said. “He did a great job for us, but you want to see people in your program continue to grow, and you’re thrilled and enthused that you’re part of the journey to see them continue to move up the ladder.”
Taylor played an integral role in the development of Tech’s players over his five seasons on Pastner’s staff, earning the trust of team members and helping players such as Moses Wright and Jose Alvarado make gains in explosiveness, strength and endurance over their careers. His work helped the Yellow Jackets return to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2010, which they did last season after winning their first ACC championship since 1993.
“I think he did a great job with the guys’ bodies,” Pastner said. “I mean, look at Moses’ body.”
Taylor, who earned his doctorate in performance psychology in 2019, incorporated technology and science into the team’s training and weightlifting program, even collaborating with Tech professors.
“He was a really good fit for Georgia Tech and for me,” Pastner said. “He did a great job, and I’m really happy for him. He has a big-time opportunity with the Charlotte Hornets.”
Pastner said he will hire an interim replacement for Taylor for the season, and will look for a full-time hire in the spring.
“We’re going to have to figure it out,” he said. “We’re going to have to hire someone good.”
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