Brent Key calls Nick Saban a 'huge mentor' in his career
In 2016, after 10 years on the staff at UCF, Brent Key got a job offer from Nick Saban. He ended up spending three seasons as Alabama’s offensive line coach before heading to Georgia Tech, where he eventually became a head coach for the first time.
But Key stayed in touch with Saban, and the two had the chance to reconnect this week. Georgia Tech is taking on Florida State in Ireland to kick off the 2024 season, and Saban – now retired – is there as part of ESPN’s College GameDay crew. He attended practice in Dublin, as well, and got a first-hand look at Key’s Yellow Jackets program.
In fact, Saban probably saw some similarities to what he did at Alabama. That’s the type of impact Key said the GOAT had on him during his career.
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“It’s really cool for him to be here, for him to see this next chapter of his life,” Key said. “I think everyone’s excited to see that and what the value he’ll be able to bring to the network and to game day. On a personal level, he’s been a huge mentor to me.
“He’s been a huge impact in my coaching career and a lot of the things I do day-to-day now as a head coach and a lot of the things in our program. There’s a very, very strong influence from him all over the Georgia Tech football program. So to be able to see him, talk to him, catch up on some other things and talk a little football as well is the greatest thing.”
Brent Key, Georgia Tech bringing back plenty of production
Key became the interim head coach at Georgia Tech in 2022 following the departure of Geoff Collins, and his 4-4 record was enough for the school to give him the full-time job. In 2023, the Yellow Jackets went 7-6, including a Gasparilla Bowl victory.
They now return all key pieces of their offense. Quarterback Haynes King is back in the fold, as are his top two receivers from a year ago – Eric Singleton and Malik Rutherford – and last season’s leading rusher, Jamal Haynes.
They’ll all have a chance to take a leap forward this year, starting with Saturday’s opener. Kickoff between Georgia Tech and Florida State is set for Noon ET on ESPN from Dublin.