In a significant move to secure the future of its football program, Georgia Tech has announced a new five-year contract extension for head coach Brent Key. The deal, approved by the athletic association's board of trustees, will keep Key at the helm of the Yellow Jackets through the 2030 season.
A Reward for Sustained Success
This marks the second consecutive year that Coach Key has been rewarded with a contract extension. The decision comes on the heels of a strong regular season where he guided the No. 24 ranked Georgia Tech to a 9-3 record. This is the program's first nine-win season since 2014. Key, a former Georgia Tech player himself, has compiled a 27-19 overall record across three-plus seasons, which includes an eight-game stint as interim head coach in 2022 before being named the permanent leader for the 2023 season.
While the university did not publicly disclose the financial terms, reports from Yahoo Sports indicate the new contract carries an average annual value of $6.5 million. This represents a substantial raise, increasing Key's total compensation by approximately $2 million per year compared to his previous deal signed in 2024 after a 7-6 finish.
Overcoming Late-Season Hurdles
The contract extension arrives despite the Yellow Jackets closing the regular season with some setbacks. The team lost three of its final four games, including a hard-fought 16-9 defeat to state rival and No. 3 ranked Georgia, extending the Bulldogs' winning streak in the series to eight games. A pivotal moment came on November 22nd with a 42-28 home loss to Pittsburgh, which cost Georgia Tech a chance to secure a spot in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championship game.
Nevertheless, the overall trajectory of the program under Key's leadership has been overwhelmingly positive. The team now awaits its bowl game assignment, marking three consecutive winning seasons and bowl appearances under his guidance.
Commitment to Alma Mater Amid Speculation
Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera issued a strong statement of support, praising Key for revitalizing the program. "He has brought our storied football program back to where it belongs," Cabrera said. "He has delivered three straight winning seasons and bowl appearances, reinvigorated the passion of our fan base, and given us moments we will not easily forget."
The extension also serves to quell speculation linking Key to other vacant coaching positions at various schools. Key has consistently expressed his desire to remain at his alma mater. "There is no other place or opportunity out there like Georgia Tech," Key affirmed in a statement released by the school, solidifying his commitment to the Yellow Jackets' long-term future.
