**“LOVE IT OR HATE IT? South Carolina Brings on Former Georgia Tech Head Coach Geoff Collins as New Defensive Analyst”**

The news of South Carolina bringing on former Georgia Tech head coach Geoff Collins as a defensive analyst has set off a wave of reactions across the college football world. For some, it’s a savvy move, a low-risk hire that brings in a seasoned coach with Power Five experience to help boost a defense in need of fresh ideas. For others, it’s a head-scratcher, given Collins’ turbulent stint at Georgia Tech and the lingering questions about whether his coaching philosophy can still be effective in today’s rapidly evolving SEC. No matter which side of the argument one falls on, it’s a bold addition that could either quietly improve the Gamecocks’ defensive unit or become another forgettable footnote in a program still striving to climb the SEC ladder.

Geoff Collins is no stranger to the world of college football. He’s been a fixture in coaching circles for decades, with stints that have included stops at Mississippi State, Florida, Temple, Georgia Tech, and most recently North Carolina. His résumé is robust, and includes time as a defensive coordinator in the SEC, ACC, and American Athletic Conference. Known for his high-energy persona and recruiting prowess, Collins first gained national attention during his time as the defensive coordinator at Mississippi State under Dan Mullen, where he helped shape a tough, physical defense that played a key role in elevating the Bulldogs’ competitiveness in the SEC West. Later, at Florida, Collins continued that trend, fielding top-tier defenses before getting his first head coaching opportunity at Temple in 2017.

His tenure at Temple was largely seen as successful. He posted back-to-back winning seasons and took the Owls to two bowl games. Collins turned the program over in good shape and used that momentum to land the head coaching position at Georgia Tech, where the real challenges began. Replacing Paul Johnson and transitioning the Yellow Jackets away from the long-standing triple-option offense was always going to be an uphill battle. Collins undertook one of the most dramatic offensive and cultural overhauls in modern college football history. While his vision for modernization was ambitious, it never quite translated to consistent wins. From 2019 to 2022, Collins posted a 10–28 record, including a 7–19 mark in ACC play, and never won more than three games in a season. That stretch was marked by missed tackles, inconsistent quarterback play, and struggles on both lines of scrimmage.

Eventually, Georgia Tech parted ways with Collins in 2022, and he resurfaced at North Carolina as the Tar Heels’ defensive coordinator. While UNC’s defense still struggled at times in the high-scoring ACC, Collins was given credit for improving scheme structure and injecting energy into the defensive staff room. He focused on simplifying the game for players and improving alignment and communication, areas where the Gamecocks have occasionally stumbled under head coach Shane Beamer. Now, as a defensive analyst at South Carolina, Collins won’t be on the field coaching players, but he will be in the ear of defensive coordinator Clayton White and part of the collaborative effort to fine-tune a unit that needs a leap forward.

South Carolina’s defense has shown flashes under Beamer and White, but consistency has remained elusive. The Gamecocks finished the 2024 season with one of the worst rush defenses in the SEC and struggled to generate pressure without blitzing. Injuries played a part, as did youth and a lack of elite depth. But at the core, there were schematic lapses and execution issues that simply have to be corrected if South Carolina hopes to climb the Eastern Division standings. That’s where Collins could be most valuable. He’s seen a lot of football, prepared for every kind of offense, and knows what it takes to succeed in hostile environments. As an analyst, he can assist in opponent scouting, breakdowns, self-scouting, and personnel evaluation without the pressure of direct responsibility for the unit’s performance.

There is also the recruiting dimension to consider. While analysts are not allowed to recruit off-campus, Collins’ relationships and reputation in the Southeast could be a behind-the-scenes asset for the Gamecocks. He knows the high school landscape well, particularly in Georgia and Florida, and his ability to evaluate talent and connect with younger athletes has always been one of his defining traits. South Carolina, which has made major inroads in recruiting over the last few cycles, could benefit from another experienced set of eyes offering insights into talent acquisition and fit within the scheme.

For Collins, this opportunity represents a chance to rebuild his reputation. After the Georgia Tech experience, which many saw as a disappointment, there’s value in returning to a support role where he can focus on what he does best without the overwhelming pressures that come with head coaching. Many coaches have used analyst roles as a way to reset their careers—Nick Saban’s Alabama program made it a cottage industry—and it would not be surprising if Collins views this as a temporary stop on the way back to a coordinator or head coaching position in the future. In the meantime, South Carolina gets the benefit of his experience, insight, and unique defensive mind.

Of course, there are valid concerns with the hire. Critics will point to his defensive units at Georgia Tech, which often underwhelmed, and question whether his schematic approach is still relevant in today’s high-octane, spread-dominated offenses. Others will cite his occasionally chaotic management style and the sometimes performative culture that emerged at Tech, complete with branding slogans and social media-driven hype that rarely matched on-field results. At times, it felt like Collins’ teams were more focused on image than execution. That’s a perception he’ll need to shake if he wants to earn the trust of players and coaches in Columbia.

Still, it’s important to remember the difference in roles. As a head coach, Collins was tasked with the entire operation—from culture to recruiting to player development and in-game decisions. As a defensive analyst, he can narrow his focus, lean on his strengths, and avoid the spotlight. In that way, South Carolina is taking a minimal-risk gamble on upside. They’re not handing him a playbook or a position group, but they are bringing him into the room to share ideas, identify trends, and perhaps challenge the status quo when needed.

Shane Beamer has made it a habit to seek out experienced voices in his coaching staff. Whether it was bringing in former NFL minds or respected college veterans, Beamer has shown an appreciation for a diversity of thought and a willingness to blend new-school energy with old-school football minds. The addition of Collins fits that mold. It also signals that the program is not content to rest on its current trajectory. After a disappointing 2024 campaign, the pressure is building for South Carolina to show tangible improvement, especially on defense. Adding Collins won’t solve all of the Gamecocks’ issues, but it’s a proactive step toward addressing the ones that matter most.

In the broader context of SEC football, every program is looking for edges—whether it’s through innovation, experience, or analysis. The role of off-field analysts has exploded in recent years, especially as programs try to mirror the model of sustained success built by Alabama and Georgia. South Carolina is clearly adopting that same philosophy. In that light, Collins represents a resource with deep institutional knowledge and plenty of battle scars from years in the coaching trenches. If he helps the defense even marginally, the hire is worth it. If he sparks new ideas and helps the Gamecocks flip the script against SEC offenses, then it’s a masterstroke.

Ultimately, whether you love or hate the hire, Geoff Collins is now part of the South Carolina football ecosystem. His journey, filled with peaks and valleys, adds a new dimension to a staff looking for answers and improvement. And in a sport where margins are razor-thin and results are everything, every smart move counts. South Carolina is betting that Collins has something left to offer—and only time will tell if that bet pays off.