Georgia Tech fired defensive coordinator Jason Semore and three other assistants on Monday, two days after coach Brent Key lambasted his team for its "embarrassing" play amid a 2-7 start.
In addition to Semore, offensive line coach Allen Mogridge, outside linebackers/defensive ends coach Kyle Pope and wide receivers coach Jafar Williams were also let go. Semore, Mogridge and Williams were all hired this past offseason.
In announcing the changes, Key said they were necessary "to put our players in the best position to be successful these final three games of the season, and to put our program in position to meet the high expectations that we all have for Georgia Tech football moving forward."
Key had guided Georgia Tech to three straight winning seasons, including a 9-4 record last year. But the Jackets are in danger of their worst season since going 2-10 in 1994.
After a 44-17 loss to Louisville, Key said, "I am damn pissed off. Damn pissed off. The way we coach, the way we play, it's embarrassing. It's a joke. Starts with me. Don't think for a second planning has not already begun on making this thing the program that our fans, our players, our boosters, administration and our alumni damn deserve."
With the coaching moves, defensive backs coach Vinnie Sunseri takes over defensive play-calling duties; former NFL All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins will serve as the primary wide receivers coach; Brandon Torrey will serve as the primary offensive line coach; Jess Simpson will now coaching defensive ends, outside linebackers and defensive tackles; and senior Jack Tyler will coach linebackers.
