How did our coaching staff do this season?

[Tjacket]

He also suck at hiring coordinators.

I have said that since the he hired them both . I think you need an experienced DC in any league. Defense wins championship s

 

[ramblineck]

Special teams costs us 2 games and having a top 15-20 hardest schedule in the country and then not looking at the whole picture is laughable

Sounds like coaching. Agree to disagree

 

[MountainBuzzMan]

Sounds like coaching. Agree to disagree

Special teams coaching which got an F so yes.

 

[D1Guru#43]

I love the breakdown for the coaches and positions done by Trombone Jacket. Way too generous on all of those grades. We continue to find ways to lose games with our coaching decisions, play calling, and game management. Crying in the opposing coach's arms as if he is your lover didn't sit well with me after blowing a 14-point lead with five minutes left in a game that should have been won hands down (decision-making/play calling). Special teams are still atrocious. Secondary was suspect all season and every tackle they made one of them got hurt. Edge play/OLB play was non-existent most of the time. The OL has finally brought its level of play up to decent now and was the bright spot on the team but struggled against big, physical, and athletic DLs.

 

[bobongo]

I love the breakdown for the coaches and positions done by Trombone Jacket. Way too generous on all of those grades. We continue to find ways to lose games with our coaching decisions, play calling, and game management. Crying in the opposing coach's arms as if he is your lover didn't sit well with me after blowing a 14-point lead with five minutes left in a game that should have been won hands down (decision-making/play calling). Special teams are still atrocious. Secondary was suspect all season and every tackle they made one of them got hurt. Edge play/OLB play was non-existent most of the time. The OL has finally brought its level of play up to decent now and was the bright spot on the team but struggled against big, physical, and athletic DLs.

Some of the things you mention are somewhat beyond the coaches' control. This is a grade of the coaches, not the team.

 

[Heisman's Ghost]

Since we’re in offseason mode, let’s talk about our coaching staff. How would we grade them for the season?

My thoughts:

Head Coach Brent Key: In his second full season as head coach, I feel that he has continued to improve the team. Our regular season record improved over last season, and we were much more competitive even in our losses. He still needs to work on clock management, but that’s a skill that improves with experience.
Grade: A-

Offensive Coordinator Buster Faulkner: This one is a little trickier because our starting QB was out for several games, hobbled for a couple games, and there were rumors that he had an injury that affected his throwing arm even before he was sidelined. Despite that, we saw some innovative game plans that allowed us to win difficult games like Miami and NC State. At times, though, it felt like our offense was slow to move away from strategies that weren’t working.
Grade: B+

Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach Tyler Santucci: I can’t say enough about how impressed I was with our defense this season. In his first season, our defense dramatically improved and looked like the best Tech defense I’ve seen since I started following the team in 2011. While there is still room for improvement on the defense, Santucci has done a phenomenal job instilling fundamentals in our defensive players and putting them in position to succeed. Additionally, our linebackers played with good awareness, tackling technique, and never seemed confused like they had been in past seasons.
Grade: A

Co-Offensive Coordinator/QB Coach Chris Weinke: For his third year in a row, Weinke has put on a master class in developing QBs. Haynes King improved his accuracy and situational awareness while still showcasing his athleticism. When Aaron Philo was pressed into action, he showed exceptional ability in the passing game, especially for a true freshman. Coach Weinke repeatedly shows a remarkable ability to improve and develop the players entrusted to him.
Grade: A+

Offensive Line Coach Geep Wade: Our offensive line vastly improved in pass protection this season, but was inconsistent in run blocking. The performance in COFH exceeded expectations. Our offensive line performed well, but still has room for improvement. Hopefully, with the talent being brought in, we can see Coach Wade’s unit take the next step and take over games more often.
Grade: B

Tight Ends Coach Nathan Brock: In his first season as a position coach, Brock coached a unit that played very solid over the course of the season. Blocking from the tight ends was executed at a high level, showing his ability to adapt his offensive line background to a new position group. However, receiving from the tight ends as a whole left much to be desired. Hopefully with another offseason coaching the tight ends, we will see improvement in that department.
Grade: B-

Running Backs Coach Norval McKenzie: In his second year on the Flats, Coach McKenzie improved the skill and depth of the running back room. Jamal Haynes showed that he was capable of being the primary RB, and Chad Alexander was a pleasant surprise in demonstrating his skills and potential as the primary backup. The only thing missing from this position group is a bruiser who can get tough yards after contact consistently. Grade: B

Wide Receivers Coach Trent McKnight: Honestly, I was a bit disappointed in the play of our receivers this season. Given the talent of this group, I expected more improvement. Malik Rutherford and Chase Lane played well and really didn’t have much room for improvement. However, the rest of the group did not show much improvement. Eric Singleton’s route running was still rough, and he still hasn’t gotten rid of his bad habit of dropping passes in critical moments. That being said, Bailey Stockton and Isaiah Canion showed potential. Hopefully with another offseason working on this staff, he can get more production out of a very talented position group.
Grade: C-

Defensive Line Coach Jess Simpson: Our defensive line made huge strides this season and was the primary reason for our defensive improvement. Our defensive tackles stuffed the run very well and made some very timely plays in the offensive backfield. Fundamentals were much improved, and Coach Simpson will be a guy that Coach Key needs to prioritize retaining. Grade: A

Defensive Ends/Outside Linebackers Coach Kyle Pope: It gets tricky separating out Pope’s contributions from Simpson’s but fortunately, the entirety of the D-Line performed well enough that I don’t have to. While our sack numbers were nothing to write home about, our edge rushers were often generating pressure. There needs to be some improvement on finishing plays in the backfield, but this position group was much improved from the previous season. If only we could have seen what Kennard would have done with this group! Grade: B+

Defensive Backs Coach Cory Peoples: Our secondary was a mixed bag. At times, they made great plays breaking up passes and helping in the run game. However, they got burned a fair amount as well. Injuries and coaching turnover with the firing of Brumfield contributed to this unit not playing up to their talent and making very few interceptions. With an offseason in charge of the secondary by himself and with some good talent coming in, Coach Peoples will have a chance to show that 2024 was just a down year for the Georgia Tech secondary. Grade: C-

Special Teams Coach Ricky Brumfield: Brumfield was fired mid season amid special teams play that contributed to 2 avoidable losses, and Special Teams immediately improved in his absence. That speaks for itself. Grade: F

Given the injuries and the officials I think this is about right. The coaches did what they could with the material they have. That said, next year will be more challenging. I don't think we have the linemen on either side of the ball to make much progress. I am sure opinions on this vary but improvement will not occur until we get more talent on the lines. The schedule should prove to be less formidable.

 

[Heisman's Ghost]

Was Bill belichick an A graded coach, or was it because of the players such as Tom Brady that helped make it happen. Look at his last few years in New England.

A coaching staff could be an A or a B grade, but depending upon what they have to work with, a team may only get four, fives, six wins.

A team's record is not the sole definition of how good of a job a coaching staff did.

Makes sense. Bear Bryant once said that having Joe Namath, Ray Perkins, LeRoy Jordan, and other great players made him look like a genius but when he forgot something on the grocery list for Mary Bryant he looked pretty dumb. There is a lot to be said for staying in your lane. Coaches coach, players play, and fans complain. Seems to work.

 

[Jetdrive3]

Since we’re in offseason mode, let’s talk about our coaching staff. How would we grade them for the season?

My thoughts:

Head Coach Brent Key: In his second full season as head coach, I feel that he has continued to improve the team. Our regular season record improved over last season, and we were much more competitive even in our losses. He still needs to work on clock management, but that’s a skill that improves with experience.
Grade: A-

Offensive Coordinator Buster Faulkner: This one is a little trickier because our starting QB was out for several games, hobbled for a couple games, and there were rumors that he had an injury that affected his throwing arm even before he was sidelined. Despite that, we saw some innovative game plans that allowed us to win difficult games like Miami and NC State. At times, though, it felt like our offense was slow to move away from strategies that weren’t working.
Grade: B+

Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach Tyler Santucci: I can’t say enough about how impressed I was with our defense this season. In his first season, our defense dramatically improved and looked like the best Tech defense I’ve seen since I started following the team in 2011. While there is still room for improvement on the defense, Santucci has done a phenomenal job instilling fundamentals in our defensive players and putting them in position to succeed. Additionally, our linebackers played with good awareness, tackling technique, and never seemed confused like they had been in past seasons.
Grade: A

Co-Offensive Coordinator/QB Coach Chris Weinke: For his third year in a row, Weinke has put on a master class in developing QBs. Haynes King improved his accuracy and situational awareness while still showcasing his athleticism. When Aaron Philo was pressed into action, he showed exceptional ability in the passing game, especially for a true freshman. Coach Weinke repeatedly shows a remarkable ability to improve and develop the players entrusted to him.
Grade: A+

Offensive Line Coach Geep Wade: Our offensive line vastly improved in pass protection this season, but was inconsistent in run blocking. The performance in COFH exceeded expectations. Our offensive line performed well, but still has room for improvement. Hopefully, with the talent being brought in, we can see Coach Wade’s unit take the next step and take over games more often.
Grade: B

Tight Ends Coach Nathan Brock: In his first season as a position coach, Brock coached a unit that played very solid over the course of the season. Blocking from the tight ends was executed at a high level, showing his ability to adapt his offensive line background to a new position group. However, receiving from the tight ends as a whole left much to be desired. Hopefully with another offseason coaching the tight ends, we will see improvement in that department.
Grade: B-

Running Backs Coach Norval McKenzie: In his second year on the Flats, Coach McKenzie improved the skill and depth of the running back room. Jamal Haynes showed that he was capable of being the primary RB, and Chad Alexander was a pleasant surprise in demonstrating his skills and potential as the primary backup. The only thing missing from this position group is a bruiser who can get tough yards after contact consistently. Grade: B

Wide Receivers Coach Trent McKnight: Honestly, I was a bit disappointed in the play of our receivers this season. Given the talent of this group, I expected more improvement. Malik Rutherford and Chase Lane played well and really didn’t have much room for improvement. However, the rest of the group did not show much improvement. Eric Singleton’s route running was still rough, and he still hasn’t gotten rid of his bad habit of dropping passes in critical moments. That being said, Bailey Stockton and Isaiah Canion showed potential. Hopefully with another offseason working on this staff, he can get more production out of a very talented position group.
Grade: C-

Defensive Line Coach Jess Simpson: Our defensive line made huge strides this season and was the primary reason for our defensive improvement. Our defensive tackles stuffed the run very well and made some very timely plays in the offensive backfield. Fundamentals were much improved, and Coach Simpson will be a guy that Coach Key needs to prioritize retaining. Grade: A

Defensive Ends/Outside Linebackers Coach Kyle Pope: It gets tricky separating out Pope’s contributions from Simpson’s but fortunately, the entirety of the D-Line performed well enough that I don’t have to. While our sack numbers were nothing to write home about, our edge rushers were often generating pressure. There needs to be some improvement on finishing plays in the backfield, but this position group was much improved from the previous season. If only we could have seen what Kennard would have done with this group! Grade: B+

Defensive Backs Coach Cory Peoples: Our secondary was a mixed bag. At times, they made great plays breaking up passes and helping in the run game. However, they got burned a fair amount as well. Injuries and coaching turnover with the firing of Brumfield contributed to this unit not playing up to their talent and making very few interceptions. With an offseason in charge of the secondary by himself and with some good talent coming in, Coach Peoples will have a chance to show that 2024 was just a down year for the Georgia Tech secondary. Grade: C-

Special Teams Coach Ricky Brumfield: Brumfield was fired mid season amid special teams play that contributed to 2 avoidable losses, and Special Teams immediately improved in his absence. That speaks for itself. Grade: F

Thoughtful assessment. We really judge the coaches by the performance of the unit. Talent acquisition is the hallmark. Unfortunately talent retention is now a thing for our prima Donnas , As a result I give the recruitment a B and the NIL program a B. Both areas are improving with excellent chances for As next year.

 

[Jetdrive3]

Makes sense. Bear Bryant once said that having Joe Namath, Ray Perkins, LeRoy Jordan, and other great players made him look like a genius but when he forgot something on the grocery list for Mary Bryant he looked pretty dumb. There is a lot to be said for staying in your lane. Coaches coach, players play, and fans complain. Seems to work.

Even over the last 5 seasons we saw a steady decline in coaching players up at Bama. Nick couldn’t keep good coaches.

 

[Jetdrive3]

The love of this game and the dogmatic off-season interest stems from us having played at some level. It is a bond for us all.

 

[Heisman's Ghost]

Even over the last 5 seasons we saw a steady decline in coaching players up at Bama. Nick couldn’t keep good coaches.

Well, would you work for him any longer than absolutely necessary to establish your coaching credibility? A few years ago Kiffin was the Alabama offensive coordinator and there was a photo of him talking to his quarterback. Off to the side in the photograph was Coach Saban looking at Kiffin with a look that can only be described as "malevolent" "evil" "pernicious" you get the idea. Saban won a lot of championships but he never was Miss Congeniality that's for sure.

 

[slugboy]

Well, would you work for him any longer than absolutely necessary to establish your coaching credibility? A few years ago Kiffin was the Alabama offensive coordinator and there was a photo of him talking to his quarterback. Off to the side in the photograph was Coach Saban looking at Kiffin with a look that can only be described as "malevolent" "evil" "pernicious" you get the idea. Saban won a lot of championships but he never was Miss Congeniality that's for sure.

Saban's relationship with Kiffin was unusual. He didn't like or trust Kiffin, who is rumored to have slept with one or more booster's wives while OC at Alabama.

Saban has been flattering of Key

 

[john813]

Overall I was happy.

B.

They came out prepared, had some upsets and a few of our losses I can excuse to losing King and the lingering injury.
Felt like if King was healthy we flip the VT game and the UGA game. But injuries are part of the game.

The recruiting classes are a nice improvement, but of course the next challenges are to develop and retain these guys.
But the future seems bright in Atlanta for Tech.

 

[UgaBlows]

I think given the injury to our most important player you have to give the offensive staff a good grade, maybe B+? Defensively we got better as the season went along, I think thats good coaching, and I really belive they got the most out of the talent they had, secondary and special teams were not great but improved after Brumfield left, I have no idea what happened in his life but believe it was affecting his work.

 

[Jetdrive3]

Saban's relationship with Kiffin was unusual. He didn't like or trust Kiffin, who is rumored to have slept with one or more booster's wives while OC at Alabama.

Saban has been flattering of Key

I am not sure that the quoted area is anything but slanderous tripe.

 

[Jetdrive3]

Well, would you work for him any longer than absolutely necessary to establish your coaching credibility? A few years ago Kiffin was the Alabama offensive coordinator and there was a photo of him talking to his quarterback. Off to the side in the photograph was Coach Saban looking at Kiffin with a look that can only be described as "malevolent" "evil" "pernicious" you get the idea. Saban won a lot of championships but he never was Miss Congeniality that's for sure.

I really do not think you are constrained from repeating what comes from your fanciful imagination

 

[UgaBlows]

I am not sure that the quoted area is anything but slanderous tripe.

It’s been talked about a LOT everywhere and on Secrant, especially after Saban retired that Kiffin was not even considered for the job because of sleeping with a top booster’s wife. When you consider the sleazy history of “Joey Freshwater” it really doesn’t seem all that slanderous

 

[apatriot1776]

I downgrade Brent Key to a B. Losing it during the Vanderbilt game was a bad look, and there were questionable gameplan decisions outside of the clock management - not going for 2 in OT1 of COFH, sticking with the run too long against Syracuse, handling 4th down decisions during Birr’s shakiness.

Coaching staff arguably won us three games (FSU, Miami, NC State) and lost us three games (Syracuse, UGA, Vanderbilt). They get massive credit for taking just 2 years to build a program we can compete every game. But it’s time to take the next step forward as a staff and a program.

 

[stinger78]

I downgrade Brent Key to a B. Losing it during the Vanderbilt game was a bad look, and there were questionable gameplan decisions outside of the clock management - not going for 2 in OT1 of COFH, sticking with the run too long against Syracuse, handling 4th down decisions during Birr’s shakiness.

Coaching staff arguably won us three games (FSU, Miami, NC State) and lost us three games (Syracuse, UGA, Vanderbilt). They get massive credit for taking just 2 years to build a program we can compete every game. But it’s time to take the next step forward as a staff and a program.

I wouldn’t call this “grading down” as much as acknowledging there is still growth needed. I would agree with the overall assessment. I have no issue with him going ballistic. Sometimes a HC needs to do that as a signal to refs that crap won’t fly.

 

[InsideLB]

Feels like this year's 7-6 is different from last year's 7-6. Last year, it felt like we made 7-6 by the skin of our teeth (Miami), AND we had to rely on the bowl game to get our 7th win. But this year, if we stay healthy all year and/or have at least one more call go our way in a few games, we'd make 9-4 with a harder schedule.

Basically agree, though I think we can all agree there is a lot of in-game/clock management stuff to improve upon. QB and RB at times were decimated. Defense made big leap. ST went backwards then righted itself...dunno what happened with Brumfield.

Couple of other things to note:

'How the coaches did' also includes recruiting and retaining talent, relat8ve to the resources you have. Like most teams we lost a fair bit through the portal. However with a top 25 recruiting class and a well regarded portal Hall I'd say they did at least B+ in this area. Still feel like we need a couple more DL though.

Second, I believe I read Vandy had lost 1 guy to the portal and we'd lost over a dozen at that point. If true, thinking we win that game if it was played during the season.