Georgia Tech has made a splash addition to its football staff by hiring former NFL All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins as an assistant wide receivers coach, the school announced Friday.
The move brings one of the most accomplished pass catchers of his generation to The Flats, giving head coach Brent Key another high-profile figure with extensive professional experience. “DeAndre is one of the greatest receivers of all-time, but his value to our program goes far beyond the that,” Key said. “He has an exceptional knowledge of what we’re doing on offense due his long relationship with (offensive coordinator) George Godsey and strong familiarity with the ACC, but most importantly, he’s a leader of men that I’m very excited for our players to be around, on and off the field.”
Hopkins joins the program after exploring coaching opportunities in the NFL and is expected to begin his coaching career helping develop Georgia Tech’s talented receiving corps.
Hopkins enters coaching following a remarkable 13-year NFL career that included stops with the Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, Kansas City Chiefs, and Baltimore Ravens. During that span, he recorded more than 1,000 receptions, over 13,000 receiving yards, and 85 touchdowns while earning multiple All-Pro selections and Pro Bowl honors. Widely regarded as one of the best route runners and contested-catch receivers of his era, Hopkins brings a wealth of knowledge that could immediately benefit Georgia Tech’s young playmakers.
The hire also reunites Hopkins with Georgia Tech offensive coordinator George Godsey, who coached him during their time together with the Houston Texans. That existing relationship likely played a significant role in bringing Hopkins to Atlanta and should help ease his transition from player to coach. Godsey’s NFL background has already added a professional influence to the Yellow Jackets’ offensive staff, and Hopkins’ arrival further strengthens those connections as Georgia Tech continues to elevate its profile within the ACC.
Beyond his impact on the field, Hopkins could become a major asset on the recruiting trail. His NFL résumé, name recognition, and firsthand experience competing against the league’s best defensive backs provide instant credibility with high school prospects and transfer portal targets alike. For a Georgia Tech program coming off one of its most successful stretches under Brent Key, the addition of a future Hall of Fame-caliber receiver could potentially do wonders for an ascending program.
