Yellow Jackets’ first-year coach one of 15 finalists for national honor
THE FLATS – Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key is one of 15 finalists for College Football News’ National Coach of the Year award, CFN announced on Tuesday.
In his first season as the permanent head coach at his alma mater, Key led Georgia Tech to a 6-6 overall record, good for its best record and first bowl berth since 2018. The Yellow Jackets finished 5-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference play and in a tie for fourth place in the 14-team conference standings after being picked to finish 12th in the league’s preseason poll.
The Jackets’ six wins included two over nationally ranked opponents – 23-20 at No. 17 Miami (Fla.) and 46-42 vs. No. 17 North Carolina – which moved Tech to 4-0 against ranked conference opponents with Key at the helm (the Jackets also defeated No. 24 Pitt and No. 13/11 UNC with Key as interim head coach in 2022).
The 2023 Yellow Jackets feature one of the nation’s most-improved offenses, as Tech ranks third nationally in year-over-year points scored (+14.0 ppg), fourth in year-over-year sacks allowed (-2.0 pg) and fifth in year-over-year yards per game (+103.9). The Jackets lead the ACC and rank 16th nationally in rushing offense (197.1 ypg). Defensively, Tech’s 23 takeaways rank 10th nationally.
Including his eight-game stint as interim head coach in 2022, Georgia Tech has 10 wins in one-plus season under Key after totaling nine victories in the previous three seasons combined (2019-21).
CFN will name its National Coach of the Year from its list of 15 finalists following the conclusion of the 2023 season.
Key and the Yellow Jackets are awaiting the announcement of its bowl destination and opponent, which be made on Sunday. For full information on bowl tickets and to sign up for priority access to tickets when they become available, visit ramblinwreck.com/bowl.
