Why LSU Will Call Brent Key And Why Georgia Tech Fans Should Care

When LSU fired Brian Kelly on Sunday, the news rolled across college football. But for Georgia Tech fans, the move immediately carried a familiar twist: Brent Key’s name surfaced again, and this time, it’s for one of the biggest jobs in the SEC. The Brian Kelly firing opens another option for Lane Kiffin, and more interest in Brent Key.

In recent days and weeks, Yellow Jacked Up covered the growing buzz around Brent Key and how his rapid success at Georgia Tech made him a rising name in national circles. With multiple southern coaching jobs avaialable. His no-nonsense approach, recruiting energy, and ability to rebuild a roster from the ground up have turned the Yellow Jackets into legitimate contenders. That formula is exactly what LSU will be looking for as it resets after the Kelly era.

Key's success also has him as a Bear Bryant Coach of The Year watch list. While making a run in the ACC and ranked in the Top 10. Current southern openings are LSU, Florida and Arkansas, with Florida State and Auburn in question.

The fit makes too much sense to ignore. Key has deep SEC roots, having coached under Nick Saban at Alabama, and he’s proven he can compete with Power Four programs on the recruiting trail. LSU needs toughness, identity, and leadership. Three traits that have defined Key’s time on The Flats.

Still, there’s another side to the story. Key is a Georgia Tech alum who took his dream job less than two seasons ago. He’s said repeatedly that he’s “all in” on building something sustainable in Atlanta. Walking away now wouldn’t just shock Tech fans. It would leave unfinished business on the table.

For Georgia Tech, the speculation is both flattering and nerve-racking. When your coach’s name comes up in the same breath as LSU, it means you’re relevant again. It means the rest of the country has noticed what’s happening on North Avenue.

Whether LSU calls or not, the message is clear: Brent Key has rebuilt Georgia Tech into a program other schools envy. And that, more than anything, proves he’s doing something right on The Flats.

With Key’s deep Southern roots and major openings at LSU, Florida, and Arkansas, interest from those programs feels almost certain. His success at Georgia Tech has made him one of the region’s hottest names. If there were ever a time for him to consider a move, this coaching cycle would be it. Still, Key seems fully focused on seeing just how far he can take Georgia Tech.