Georgia Tech officially finds itself in one of the most important moments of the Brent Key era. With Buster Faulkner departing for Florida, the Yellow Jackets are now faced with a massive decision that will shape the future of the offense — and quite possibly the future of the program.
Faulkner helped turn Georgia Tech into one of the most explosive offenses in the ACC and played a major role in the development of Haynes King. The fact that Tech was reportedly willing to match any offer Florida made speaks volumes. The budget is there. The urgency is real.
Now, the question becomes: Who’s next?
This is not a report on confirmed candidates — just a realistic, football-driven look at five of the best fits for Georgia Tech moving forward.
1. Corey Dennis – UNLV Offensive Coordinator
If Georgia Tech is looking for a modern, rising offensive mind with Power 5 connections, Corey Dennis checks a lot of boxes.
Dennis is currently the offensive coordinator at UNLV, where he guided one of the better offenses in the country this season. Before that, he spent several years at Ohio State as the quarterback coach and passing game coordinator, working directly with elite QBs and elite talent.
He also has personal ties to Georgia Tech as a former Yellow Jacket player from 2011–2014, which matters when it comes to understanding the culture of The Flats. While he has only one year of full coordinator experience, the results at UNLV have been impressive.
Why he fits: Young, innovative, quarterback-focused, and familiar with Georgia Tech’s DNA.
2. John David Baker – East Carolina Offensive Coordinator
If Brent Key wants production that directly translates, John David Baker should be very high on the list.
East Carolina finished this season ranked 14th nationally in total offense and 15th in passing offense. That’s not a fluke — that’s consistent, efficient, balanced football. Baker has built a real offensive identity at ECU and is already drawing national interest.
He’s the type of hire that wouldn’t create headlines at first… but could turn into a home run once the games start.
Why he fits: Proven production, explosive passing game, rising national reputation.
3. Jonathan Brewer – Duke Offensive Coordinator
Jonathan Brewer is already an ACC name that Brent Key knows very well. Duke’s offense is the primary reason they’re playing for an ACC title this season, led by quarterback Darian Mensah, who finished as the league’s top passer in both yards and touchdowns.
Brewer has shown he can build a quarterback-friendly system that creates explosive plays through the air — something Georgia Tech will absolutely need as the program transitions into the post–Haynes King era with Aaron Philo.
Would he leave within the conference? That’s the big question. But if Georgia Tech is willing to spend — and all signs suggest they are — it’s absolutely worth the call.
Why he fits: ACC-proven, quarterback developer, explosive passing system.
4. Kirby Moore – Missouri Offensive Coordinator
If Georgia Tech wants to double down on its physical identity while still keeping the offense explosive, Kirby Moore is one of the most intriguing options on the board.
Missouri finished 8th nationally in rushing offense, and Moore has built his reputation on dominating the trenches while still generating chunk plays. That aligns extremely well with Brent Key’s vision of winning games through physicality, tempo, and control.
The challenge? Prizing an OC out of the SEC is no small task. But if Tech is serious about making a statement hire, Moore would be exactly that.
Why he fits: Elite run game, physical offensive identity, Power 5 proven.
5. Joe Moorhead – Akron Head Coach
Joe Moorhead quietly may be one of the most experienced and well-rounded offensive minds available.
He’s been an offensive coordinator at Penn State and Oregon, a head coach at Mississippi State, and is now leading Akron through one of the toughest rebuilds in the country. Everywhere he’s gone, offense has traveled with him.
Moorhead brings quarterback development, play-design creativity, and head coaching experience — something very few candidates on this list can offer.
If Georgia Tech wants stability with high-level experience, he’s a very real option.
Why he fits: Proven Power 5 coordinator, QB developer, head coaching experience.
Final Thoughts
Replacing Buster Faulkner will not be easy. His impact on Georgia Tech’s turnaround cannot be overstated. But the one advantage the Yellow Jackets do have right now is leverage — financial, program momentum, and national relevance.
Whether Brent Key goes with a young riser like Corey Dennis, a proven producer like John David Baker, or an experienced stabilizer like Joe Moorhead, this hire will define the next chapter of Georgia Tech football.
The offense is the engine now. And the next driver has to be right.
