Georgia Tech Football: New DC Blake Gideon Recognized as One of Nation’s Top Recruiters
Blake Gideon has been named Georgia Tech’s new defensive coordinator, replacing Tyler Santucci, who left for the Baltimore Ravens. This hire was crucial for head coach Brent Key as the Yellow Jackets look to make a strong push in the 2025 season. Key’s quick decision to bring in Texas assistant coach Gideon was widely praised. Known for developing defensive backs into NFL prospects, Gideon is also recognized as one of the top recruiters in college football.
On3 Sports recently ranked Gideon among the best recruiters for the 2025 cycle. His efforts have already paid off, as Georgia Tech secured a talented defensive back class, including four-star safety Tae Harris and four-star cornerback Dalen Penson. Gideon’s recruiting expertise extends to both high school players and the transfer portal.
Top college football recruiters from the 2025 cycle, via @SWiltfong_✍️
Read: https://t.co/cYnZYhApeP pic.twitter.com/i350aDwJgm
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) February 25, 2025
Before joining Georgia Tech, Gideon spent four seasons at Texas (2021-24) as the safeties coach and was promoted to associate head coach for defense in 2024. During his time in Austin, he helped Texas improve its win totals from five to 13, including two College Football Playoff semifinal appearances in 2023 and 2024. Gideon’s defensive success earned him the 2024 National Defensive Backs Coach of the Year award from Football Scoop. Under his guidance, Texas ranked among the top 10 nationally in key defensive categories, including interceptions, passing yards allowed, and total defense.
Gideon’s individual coaching accomplishments include developing safety Michael Taffe, who went from walk-on to first-team All-American, and all-SEC safety Andrew Mukuba. He also played a significant role in the development of 2024 Jim Thorpe Award winner Jahdae Barron.
“I’m grateful to Coach Key for this opportunity and excited to work with him and the talented staff and players at Georgia Tech,” Gideon said. “The future of Tech football is bright, and I’m eager to get started.”
Before his time at Texas, Gideon coached at Ole Miss (2020) and Houston (2019), where he earned Football Scoop’s National Special Teams Coordinator of the Year award. He also spent time as cornerbacks coach at Georgia State in 2018 and as a defensive backs coach at Western Carolina (2016-17), where he coached four All-Southern Conference players, including NFL draft pick Keion Crossen.
Gideon began his coaching career as a quality control assistant at Florida in 2014, then served as a graduate assistant at Auburn in 2015, working with the secondary at both schools.
As a player, Gideon was a standout defensive back at Texas from 2008-11. A four-year starter at safety, he helped lead the Longhorns to a National Championship appearance in 2010 and victories in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl and 2011 Holiday Bowl. Gideon earned numerous individual accolades, including 276 tackles, 10 interceptions, and 20 pass breakups, and was a four-time honorable mention All-Big 12 selection.
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