Brent Key Signs New Five-Year Deal to Stay at Georgia Tech

The college football coaching carousel has continued its rapid pace, with several high-profile moves this week. Brian Hartline is set to become South Florida’s new coach, Kansas State’s Chris Klieman is reportedly retiring, and Texas A&M offensive coordinator Collin Klein is taking over the Wildcats’ program.

Amid the flurry of changes, Georgia Tech’s Brent Key has remained a steady presence. Despite offseason speculation linking him to other opportunities, Key put rumors to rest in November with a statement emphasizing his commitment to the Yellow Jackets.

“Since I came back here, since I was named the head coach here, outside of the time with my family, every waking second of my life has gone towards building this program, to get to the point that it is right now…Slice me open and see what colors I bleed,” Key said, signaling that his focus remains firmly on Georgia Tech.

On Wednesday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Key has agreed to a new five-year contract with Georgia Tech, pending formal approval from the school’s Board of Trustees. The deal includes a significant raise, reflecting the program’s confidence in his leadership.

1. Key’s Tenure and Performance

Brent Key has just completed his fourth season as Georgia Tech’s head coach. Over that span, he has compiled a 27-19 record, demonstrating consistent improvement and competitiveness in the ACC. This year, the Yellow Jackets finished 9-3 and narrowly missed the ACC Championship Game, underscoring the program’s upward trajectory. Key’s leadership has helped position Georgia Tech as a legitimate contender within the conference. The team is also headed to a postseason bowl game, providing an additional opportunity for the program to showcase its growth under Key. Continued success in high-profile games could further solidify his reputation nationally. Key’s ability to maintain stability and success at Georgia Tech has been a key factor in the school’s decision to extend his contract, signaling their long-term commitment to his leadership.

2. Career Background and Coaching Philosophy

Before joining Georgia Tech, Key spent a decade as an assistant at UCF, honing his coaching acumen and developing a strong track record in program-building. He later spent several years with Alabama as an assistant, gaining experience in one of the most successful college football environments in the country. Key’s approach emphasizes discipline, player development, and program continuity, traits that have helped Georgia Tech steadily improve during his tenure. His recruiting, game-planning, and leadership style have been central to the program’s rise in the ACC. Throughout his time at Georgia Tech, Key has demonstrated a commitment to the program’s long-term success, balancing immediate results with building a sustainable foundation. His quote about dedicating “every waking second” to the program reflects the level of investment he has made in turning Georgia Tech into a competitive force in the conference.

3. Implications of the Extension

The five-year contract extension secures Key’s role through the 2030 season, providing continuity for the Georgia Tech football program amid a volatile coaching landscape. The significant raise included in the deal signals the school’s confidence in his ability to maintain and grow the program’s competitiveness. It also positions Key to continue attracting top talent and improving recruiting efforts within the ACC and nationally. Stability at the head coach position could help Georgia Tech sustain its recent success and build toward contending for conference titles. The extension also provides reassurance to players, recruits, and staff that the program has a clear and consistent direction. With Key at the helm, Georgia Tech can continue its upward trajectory, aiming to translate regular-season success into championship contention in the years ahead.