Report: Georgia Tech Parts Ways With Defensive Coaches Andrew Thacker and Travares Tillman

Thacker was the defensive coordinator for the Yellow Jackets since 2019 and stayed at that position even after the firing of Geoff Collins, but Brent Key made a change after a poor performance in a loss to Bowling Green this season. Kevin Sherrer was brought in during the offseason to coach linebackers and be the co-defensive coordinator and Key promted him to be the defensive playcaller after that performance. 

Here is what head coach Key said regarding the move after the loss:

"Our performance on defense this season hasn’t met the standard that we expect at Georgia Tech. While the responsibility for that does not fall on any one individual – in fact, as the head coach, that responsibility begins with me – I do feel that a new voice and perspective from the coordinator role is necessary for us to improve,” Key said. “Coach Sherrer is a veteran coach that has had great success in all aspects of coaching defense and at the highest levels of football. I’m confident in his ability to lead our defense and achieve the improvement that we expect and demand.”

Thacker was demoted to safeties coach after the loss and stayed there for the rest of the season. 

Tillman played defensive back for Georgia Tech and arrived ahead of the 2022 season after coaching at Michigan State. He just completed his second season as the defensive backs coach. 

It will be interesting to see how Key decides to fill this roll and if any more moves are going to be on the way. During his bowl game press conference, this is what Key had to say about any potential staff changes: 

"I have been coaching for 25 years and I don't think I have ever been on a staff where there wasn't so you always have to prepare for those things."

Georgia Tech faces UCF in the Gasparilla Bowl on Dec. 22nd at 6:30 on ESPN. 

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