Columbia, SC, August 1, 2025
News Summary
Veteran coach Geoff Collins has been appointed as South Carolina’s senior defensive assistant coach, bringing 28 years of college football coaching experience. Collins previously served as defensive coordinator at North Carolina, leading a top-ranked defense. His successful coaching career includes stints as head coach at Georgia Tech and Temple, where he achieved historic successes and notable player development. Collins aims to strengthen the Gamecocks’ defensive strategy ahead of the upcoming season, leveraging his extensive expertise in the field.
Columbia, SC – Veteran coach Geoff Collins has been appointed as a senior defensive assistant coach for South Carolina’s football team, according to an announcement made by head coach Shane Beamer. With 28 years of extensive coaching experience in college football, Collins brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Gamecocks’ defensive unit.
Most recently, Collins served as the defensive coordinator at North Carolina during the 2024 season, where his defense registered 41 sacks, ranking as the sixth-best in the nation. This impressive performance is a testament to his capability as a defensive strategist and leader.
Collins has a robust coaching background that includes six years as a head coach, notably leading Georgia Tech from 2019 to 2022. Under his leadership, the Yellow Jackets transitioned from an option football system to a pro-style spread offensive scheme, marking a significant change for the program. During his tenure at Georgia Tech, Collins achieved noteworthy successes, including recruiting back-to-back top-25 classes, the first of its kind since 2007. His recruiting prowess extended to signing 34 four- or five-star recruits, solidifying his track record within the competitive landscape of college football.
Before his time at Georgia Tech, Collins made a name for himself at Temple, where he secured 15 wins in his first two seasons as head coach, setting a record for the most successful start in the school’s 121-year history. He led the Owls to a historic victory in the Gasparilla Bowl in 2017, which was only the third bowl win in the program’s history.
Collins boasts a rich history of service as a defensive coordinator at various colleges, including Florida, Mississippi State, FIU, and Western Carolina. His defensive units consistently ranked among the best in the nation. At Florida, he was instrumental in achieving an 8th and 5th national ranking in total defense in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Similarly, his time at Mississippi State saw his defense achieving an 18th ranking in total defense and a 23rd ranking in scoring defense during his tenure.
Over his career, Collins has recruited and/or coached over 36 players who advanced to the NFL, including six clients who were drafted while he was at Georgia Tech. This remarkable feat underscores his ability to not only develop talent but also identify high-potential players while on the recruiting trail.
Collins’ coaching journey began as a graduate assistant at Georgia Tech from 1999-2000 and has expanded to various positions at institutions such as Western Carolina, Alabama, and UCF. Besides coaching, Collins has involvement in high school football, serving at Franklin (N.C.) High School and demonstrating his passion for mentoring young athletes. His diverse coaching career includes multiple roles that have helped shape the programs he has been part of.
As a player, Collins played as an outside linebacker and defensive back at Western Carolina, where he registered 194 career tackles. This player background enriches his understanding of the game and contributes to his coaching effectiveness.
Brought up on April 10, 1971, Collins is married to Jennifer Haynes, and together they have a daughter named Astrid. His personal experience combined with his extensive coaching credentials positions him well to make a significant impact on South Carolina’s defensive strategies and overall success this coming season.
With Collins joining the Gamecocks, the team looks to leverage his rich experience and proven track record to strengthen its defensive squad as they prepare for future challenges on the football field.
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Additional Resources
- Gamecocks Online
- The State
- WIS TV
- Greenville Online
- 247 Sports
- Wikipedia: Geoff Collins
- Google Search: Geoff Collins South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Geoff Collins coaching
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Geoff Collins
- Google News: Geoff Collins football
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