Georgia Tech recently announced that veteran coach Paul “P.J.” Salem will take over as the special teams coordinator following the departure of former associate head coach and special teams coordinator Ricky Brumfield.
Brumfield’s sudden exit left a void in the Yellow Jackets’ coaching lineup, and Salem’s promotion is aimed at providing stability and expertise in an area critical to the team’s success. Known for his strategic approach and years of experience, Salem brings a fresh perspective to Georgia Tech’s special teams, a unit that has shown potential but struggled with consistency in recent games.
Salem’s background is well-suited for the role. With over a decade of coaching experience across various collegiate programs, he’s no stranger to handling high-stakes situations. His track record includes working with successful special teams units and honing players’ abilities to perform under pressure. Prior to his promotion, Salem served as an assistant within Georgia Tech’s offensive staff, helping to streamline their strategies and improve play execution. His work ethic and attention to detail have earned him the respect of both players and staff, making him a natural choice to step into the coordinator role.
The timing of this change comes during a crucial part of Georgia Tech’s season. Special teams often serve as a game-changing element in college football, capable of swinging momentum with a single play. The Yellow Jackets have seen both successes and setbacks on special teams this season, including missed field goals, inconsistent coverage, and occasional breakdowns on returns. These moments have cost the team valuable field position and, in some instances, even points. Salem’s immediate task will be to address these issues, fine-tuning the mechanics and decision-making that will enable Georgia Tech to capitalize on special teams opportunities.
Head coach Brent Key expressed confidence in Salem’s ability to lead the unit. “P.J. is a dedicated coach who understands the importance of special teams and has a clear plan for improvement,” Key stated. “His promotion is about maintaining continuity while also adding his own insights and expertise.” Key noted that Salem’s approach involves a balance of fundamentals and innovation, focusing on drills that emphasize precision, discipline, and situational awareness.
Salem’s primary goals include stabilizing Georgia Tech’s kicking game, improving punt and kickoff coverage, and maximizing return opportunities. In practice, Salem has already implemented new drills and adjusted the special teams playbook to address weaknesses. His leadership aims to instill confidence and consistency within the unit, particularly among younger players eager to make an impact on game day.
The coaching shift has brought optimism to the Georgia Tech community, which hopes Salem’s strategic approach will yield results on the field. As the Yellow Jackets look to close out the season strong, special teams will play a pivotal role in their pursuit of success, with Salem now at the helm to guide the way.