Georgia Tech coach Brent Key gets new five-year contract despite mixed season

In Atlanta, Georgia, Brent Key, the football coach for Georgia Tech, was awarded a new five-year contract following a successful season. This announcement was made after the Yellow Jackets finished their best regular season since 2018 with a record of 7-5 and a strong performance within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The Georgia Tech board of trustees also approved a five-year extension for athletic director J Batt, which means both Key and Batt will remain at the institution until at least 2029. Financial details of the contracts were not disclosed, but it marks an important step in stabilizing the coaching staff and leadership as the team builds on recent successes. The Yellow Jackets had notable victories during the season, including handing No. 14 Miami its first loss and competing against No. 5 Georgia in a dramatic eight-overtime game that ended with a narrow loss. This performance indicated a significant turnaround from the previous administration, which had seen Coach Geoff Collins dismissed after a disappointing 10-28 record over three years. Key stepped in as interim coach midway through the 2022 season, demonstrating his capability by achieving a 4-4 record in the remainder of that season. Under Key’s leadership, Georgia Tech also became bowl eligible again, earning a spot in the Gasparilla Bowl and closing the 2023 season with a 7-6 record. The new contract reflects the university’s faith in Key's ability to further develop the football program and create a competitive team. Key's coaching strategy has not only improved game performance but also positively impacted recruiting, as evidenced by the recent signing of a top-30 nationally ranked recruiting class. Key expressed gratitude in a statement, crediting his coaching staff and student-athletes for their hard work and dedication throughout the season. He remarked on the progress made since the somber days of the prior coaching regime and emphasized a collective mission to restore Georgia Tech football to its former glory. The contracts with Key and Batt are seen as part of a broader effort to build a strong foundation for the program moving forward, ensuring continuity in leadership and a comprehensive approach to team development.