Can The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Keep These Two Coaches

This season has seen many mid-year coaching firings. Several major programs now have openings. Because of this, many coaches are being linked to new jobs.

We have already talked about Brent Key. His name has come up for several roles. His Southern roots make him a good match for big programs in the South.

Key also has deep ties to Georgia Tech. He is an alumnus and has said many times that he is committed to the school. Leaving now would feel like unfinished business. He has helped make Georgia Tech relevant again.

Another coach to watch is offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner. Some teams could show interest in him as well. Georgia Tech recently signed Faulkner to a two-year extension. But in today’s college football world, a contract does not always keep a coach in place.

His new deal is worth $1.5 million per year. When he arrived, the offense ranked No. 124 in scoring. He helped improve the unit by nearly 14 points per game and boosted the ranking by 80 spots in 2023. The offense has continued to grow with Haynes King and other key players.

His extension made him the highest-paid assistant coach in Georgia Tech history.

Faulkner is not going to land one of the top high-profile openings right now. However, coaching changes can create chances for coordinators to move up. A Lower or mid-level head coaching job could be a great fit for him and hard to turn down.

Local radio station 680 The Fan mentioned Jon Sumrall as an example. His success rebuilding Tulane has drawn interest from bigger programs.

No one is saying Faulkner is leaving for sure. But the money in today’s coaching market is tempting. A mid-level job could be his best chance to become a head coach.

There is also a risk in staying. Some schools may wait to see how he performs without Haynes King. His stock could rise. But filling King’s shoes is tough, and nothing is guaranteed.