Georgia Tech hires Blake Gideon as defensive coordinator

Blake Gideon has been officially hired as the new defensive coordinator for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, following the departure of former coordinator Tyler Santucci. Gideon, who previously coached safeties at Texas, brings a wealth of player experience and coaching success, having led the Longhorns to a top-three national ranking in scoring defense last season. His appointment is expected to bolster the Yellow Jackets' secondary, which ranked fifth in the ACC for passing yards allowed per game last season. Current Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian praised Gideon for his coaching acumen and ability to build strong relationships with players. As Georgia Tech prepares for the upcoming season opener against Colorado, Gideon will look to leverage the returning talent on the roster while addressing key areas for improvement, particularly in pass rush. This marks a significant shift for the Yellow Jackets, who are looking to continue their recent success after back-to-back bowl appearances.