Blake Gideon named defensive coordinator at Georgia Tech

AUSTIN (KXAN) — One of Texas' top assistant coaches and recruiters is headed for a promotion with another program.

Blake Gideon, the safeties coach for the Longhorns since 2021, will be the defensive coordinator for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. In a social media post, Gideon called the week leading up to the announcement "the most exciting and most difficult week of my career."

"Too many people to thank. Sark, PK, TJ, you’re the best. My guys in the Room…I love you, keep setting your alarm, keep stepping into the ring, keep the standard," Gideon wrote.

In a statement from Georgia Tech, Gideon said, "My family and I are excited to come to The Flats and join the Georgia Tech football family."

"I’m grateful to Coach (Brent) Key for this opportunity and looking forward to working with him, the great staff that he’s assembled and an outstanding group of talented players. The future of Tech football is bright and I can’t wait to get to work," Gideon said.

In his playing days from 2008-11, the Leander native started 52 games at safety as a four-year starter under head coach Mack Brown. He was named an honorable mention all-Big 12 safety all four years and was a team captain for two. He had 276 tackles and 10 interceptions in his career.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said Gideon "has worked extremely hard for the opportunity to be a defensive coordinator."

"We couldn’t be more grateful for all he did to coach and develop our safeties the past four years," Sarkisian said. "He has great knowledge of the game, is detail-oriented and driven, passionate about the players and builds great relationships with them on and off the field. He is an awesome staff member who was an incredible resource for us as a former player here and in all aspects of our program. We’ll certainly miss him but are excited for this opportunity for him and his family. He’ll do great things for Georgia Tech."