Penn State and Auburn's Big Money Attempt To Attract Brent Key

Dan Wolken of Yahoo Sports explains the Georgia Tech sales pitch to keep Brent Key.

It’s all about the fit and the ability to consistently make the playoffs, despite bigger jobs being available that would pay much more money.

Since returning to his alma mater, Brett Key has already reignited the Georgia Tech football program and positioned it for sustained success. While Georgia Tech can't afford the he same salary dollars as some of the larger-budget schools like Auburn University or Penn State University, the intangible advantages of this fit are increasingly clear.

Yes, Georgia Tech’s financial resources for coaching salaries may lag behind powerhouse platforms where booster capacity and football revenue streams drive seven-figure contracts. But with Key, it’s not just about dollars. He’s intimately familiar with the culture of Georgia Tech—from campus to locker room to alumni expectations—and that kind of alignment matters deeply. For a coach who values community, program identity, and long-term growth, this is the perfect partnership.

Key has already delivered a turnaround. The momentum is real, and being back in familiar surroundings gives him a unique edge. More importantly, Georgia Tech offers him something many larger schools don’t: patience and realistic expectations. At a school where making the playoffs consistently is now within reach, Key can create a legacy, not just chase one. The pressure cooker of mega-money jobs often forces quick fixes; here, Key has the runway to build.

Put simply, while Georgia Tech may not match the headline salary figures of Auburn or Penn State. The fit is better, the mission clearer, and the opportunity greater. In the long game of college football, that may matter far more than the size of the contract. With Brett Key at the helm, Georgia Tech is not just having a moment—it might be entering a new era.