Brent Key serves as the head coach of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football program, leading a highly specialized and experienced coaching staff that blends NFL-caliber expertise with deep-rooted collegiate ties. Since taking the helm midway through the 2022 season, Key—a Georgia Tech alumnus himself—has prioritized building a staff capable of competing in the evolving landscape of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

The current Georgia Tech football staff is structured to maximize player development, strategic game planning, and high-level recruiting within the talent-rich state of Georgia. Below is the primary leadership within the program as of the 2025-2026 cycle:

  • Head Coach: Brent Key
  • Offensive Coordinator: George Godsey
  • Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers: Jason Semore
  • Assistant Head Coach / Co-Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks: Chris Weinke
  • Senior Offensive Assistant: Brian Bohannon

The Leadership of Brent Key on the Flats

To understand the Georgia Tech football staff, one must first understand the philosophy of Brent Key. As a former standout offensive lineman for the Yellow Jackets under George O'Leary, Key brings an "inside-out" perspective to the program. His approach focuses on the trenches—offensive and defensive line play—while instilling a culture of physical toughness and intellectual discipline that aligns with Georgia Tech’s academic prestige.

Key’s staff choices reflect a desire for stability and elite technical instruction. By retaining key coordinators while strategically adding former head coaches and NFL assistants, Key has created a brain trust that offers both tactical innovation and veteran mentorship.

Detailed Offensive Coaching Staff and Philosophy

The Georgia Tech offense has undergone a significant transformation, moving toward a balanced, explosive pro-style system that leverages the mobility of modern collegiate quarterbacks. This unit is managed by a group of coaches with diverse backgrounds ranging from the NFL to the highest levels of the FCS.

George Godsey: Offensive Coordinator

George Godsey oversees the overall offensive strategy. Godsey’s background is steeped in professional football experience, having served in various coordinator and coaching roles within the NFL. His presence provides Georgia Tech with a playbook that translates well to the professional level, which is a significant selling point during the recruiting process. Godsey focuses on spatial awareness, timing, and utilizing the tight end position as a versatile weapon in both the passing and running games.

Chris Weinke: Assistant Head Coach and Quarterbacks

Chris Weinke is perhaps one of the most recognizable names on the staff. A former Heisman Trophy winner at Florida State and a veteran NFL quarterback, Weinke’s primary responsibility is the development of the signal-callers. Under his tutelage, Georgia Tech quarterbacks have shown marked improvement in footwork, decision-making, and deep-ball accuracy. His "Assistant Head Coach" title also indicates his role in helping Brent Key manage the broader team dynamics and game-day clock management.

Brian Bohannon: Senior Offensive Assistant

A significant addition to the staff in 2025 was Brian Bohannon. Returning to the Flats after a highly successful 10-year stint as the founding head coach of Kennesaw State, Bohannon brings an immense wealth of knowledge regarding the run game and option-based principles. His role as a Senior Offensive Assistant allows him to provide an "eye in the sky" perspective, helping Godsey and Weinke refine their rushing schemes and blocking assignments. Bohannon’s deep connections within Georgia high school football also bolster the program's local outreach.

Positional Offensive Coaches

  • Jimmy Smith (Running Backs): Smith is known for his ability to develop explosive ball carriers who are also proficient in pass protection. His coaching style emphasizes vision and north-south running.
  • Allen Mogridge (Offensive Line): Working closely with Brent Key, Mogridge is tasked with building a cohesive front five. The emphasis here is on "winning the line of scrimmage," a non-negotiable trait for Key’s program.
  • Jafar Williams (Wide Receivers): Williams focuses on route running and creating separation. In the ACC, where defensive backs are increasingly athletic, his technical drills are vital for the Jackets' vertical threat.
  • Nathan Brock (Tight Ends): Brock manages a room that acts as the "Swiss Army Knife" of the offense, requiring his players to be elite blockers and reliable red-zone targets.

The Defensive Architecture under Jason Semore

On the other side of the ball, Georgia Tech has focused on creating a "multiple" defensive front that can adapt to the high-tempo spread offenses of the ACC while remaining stout against traditional power-running teams.

Jason Semore: Defensive Coordinator

Jason Semore leads the defense with a focus on pressure and turnovers. His defensive philosophy is built on the concept of "disruption," encouraging linebackers and safeties to be aggressive at the point of attack. Semore’s units are characterized by their speed and their ability to disguise coverages, making it difficult for opposing quarterbacks to find a pre-snap rhythm.

Jess Simpson: Defensive Line

Jess Simpson is a legendary figure in Georgia football circles. With a background that includes elite high school coaching success and NFL experience with the Atlanta Falcons, Simpson is widely regarded as one of the best defensive line technicians in the country. His presence on the Georgia Tech staff is crucial for developing the interior pass rush and ensuring the Jackets can stop the run consistently.

The Secondary and Specialized Defensive Roles

  • Kyle Pope (Defensive Ends / Outside Linebackers): Pope focuses on the "edge" players. His goal is to produce elite sack artists who can also drop into coverage when the defensive scheme shifts to a 3-4 look.
  • Vinnie Sunseri (Defensive Backs): A former standout at Alabama and an NFL veteran, Sunseri brings a "pro-mindset" to the safeties. His coaching focuses on communication and ensuring the backend of the defense remains synchronized.
  • Kobie Jones (Cornerbacks): Joining the staff with a pedigree from Alabama, Jones specializes in "lockdown" techniques. His experience coaching elite corners under the Saban and DeBoer systems provides Georgia Tech with a modern edge in pass defense.

Special Teams and Game Management

Special teams are often the difference-maker in close ACC matchups. Georgia Tech has dedicated significant resources to this phase of the game.

  • Tim Salem (Special Teams Coordinator): Salem is a veteran coach who brings energy and a detail-oriented approach to kickoffs, punts, and field goals. His focus is on "hidden yardage"—the idea that field position won through special teams is just as valuable as yards gained on offense.
  • Brendan Farrell (Senior Strategist – Special Teams and Game Management): Farrell works alongside the coordinators to analyze situational football. Whether it is a two-point conversion attempt, a late-game timeout strategy, or a specific punt return scheme, Farrell provides the data-driven insights needed to make split-second decisions.

Football Operations and Support Staff

Beyond the on-field coaches, a modern Power Four football program requires an extensive network of support staff to handle everything from player health to academic compliance and recruiting.

Donald Hill-Eley: Chief of Staff

Donald Hill-Eley serves as a vital bridge between the coaching staff and the university administration. As Chief of Staff, he manages the internal logistics of the program, ensuring that Brent Key’s vision is implemented across all departments. His experience as a former head coach provides an extra layer of leadership within the building.

Recruiting and High School Relations

In the state of Georgia, recruiting is a year-round battle. The Georgia Tech staff has a dedicated team focused on identifying and securing talent.

  • Liam Klein (Director of Recruiting): Klein manages the overall recruiting board, coordinating visits, scouting reports, and the integration of the transfer portal.
  • Tim McFarlin (Director of High School Relations): McFarlin is a massive asset for the Yellow Jackets. A Hall of Fame high school coach in Georgia, he has the trust of nearly every high school coach in the state. His role is to ensure that Georgia Tech remains a primary destination for local "Peach State" talent.

Strength, Performance, and Development

  • A.J. Artis (Director of Football Strength and Performance): Artis is responsible for the physical transformation of the student-athletes. His program is designed to build "functional strength"—the type of power and explosiveness that translates directly to football movements.
  • Anthony Parker (Director of Player Development): Parker’s role focuses on the holistic growth of the players, including life skills, career preparation, and character building. This ensures that when players leave the Flats, they are prepared for life beyond the gridiron.

How the Staff Influences Player Development

The synergy between coaches like George Godsey and Chris Weinke has a direct impact on the recruitment and development of quarterbacks. For instance, the presence of an NFL-experienced OC like Godsey allows Georgia Tech to run a more complex scheme than many of their collegiate peers. This prepares players like Haynes King for the professional level while making the offense unpredictable for defensive coordinators who are used to more "cookie-cutter" collegiate systems.

On defense, the collaboration between Jess Simpson and Jason Semore ensures that the front four and the back seven are always in sync. In modern football, if the pass rush and the coverage aren't working together, the defense will fail. Simpson’s ability to generate pressure with just four linemen allows Semore to be more creative with his blitz packages, often confusing opposing offensive lines.

The Significance of Recent Staff Additions

The 2025 and 2026 staff cycles were marked by a clear intent: bring in "proven winners" with local ties. The hiring of Brian Bohannon was a masterstroke by Brent Key. Bohannon doesn't just bring coaching ability; he brings a "head coach's perspective" to the offensive room. This allows Brent Key to delegate more effectively, knowing he has a veteran leader who understands how to manage players and game situations.

Similarly, the addition of Kobie Jones from the Alabama system shows that Georgia Tech is looking to mirror the developmental practices of the nation’s elite programs. By bringing in coaches who have seen "what it looks like" at the highest level of the SEC and the NFL, Key is raising the floor of the entire program.

Conclusion

The Georgia Tech football staff under Brent Key is a meticulously assembled group of professionals designed to restore the Yellow Jackets to national prominence. By balancing veteran experience (Bohannon, Godsey, Salem) with rising stars (Jones, Sunseri) and local legends (Simpson, McFarlin), Key has created a coaching environment that is both technically sound and culturally aligned with the school’s traditions. As the Jackets continue to compete in a revamped ACC, this staff remains the program's greatest asset in developing elite talent and winning on Saturdays.

FAQ

Who is the head coach of Georgia Tech football?

Brent Key is the head coach. He is a Georgia Tech alumnus who previously served as the interim head coach and offensive line coach before being named the permanent head coach.

Who coordinates the Georgia Tech offense?

The offense is led by George Godsey (Offensive Coordinator) and Chris Weinke (Assistant Head Coach/Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks).

Did Brian Bohannon return to Georgia Tech?

Yes, Brian Bohannon joined the Georgia Tech staff as a Senior Offensive Assistant in early 2025 after a successful tenure as the head coach of Kennesaw State.

Who is the defensive coordinator for the Yellow Jackets?

Jason Semore serves as the Defensive Coordinator and also coaches the linebackers.

What is the role of Tim McFarlin?

Tim McFarlin is the Director of High School Relations. He utilizes his extensive experience as a legendary Georgia high school coach to build relationships with local programs and assist in recruiting.

How does the staff focus on player strength?

A.J. Artis, the Director of Football Strength and Performance, leads the physical development of the team, focusing on year-round conditioning and strength training tailored to football-specific performance.