Why DeAndre Hopkins is joining Georgia Tech as newest member of coaching staff

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Why DeAndre Hopkins is joining Georgia Tech as newest member of coaching staff originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

As veteran free-agent receivers like Stefon Diggs and Keenan Allen struggle to generate interest on the open market, one former All-Pro appears to be stepping away from his playing days altogether.

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DeAndre Hopkins is reportedly expected to join Georgia Tech's coaching staff as an offensive assistant, not long after he spent a week in Patriots camp in an informal coaching role.

The 34-year-old spent 2025 with the Ravens but had only 22 catches and didn't latch on with a team this offseason.

Here's what you need to know about Hopkins' new role at Georgia Tech.

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Why DeAndre Hopkins is joining Georgia Tech

Hopkins is expected to join Georgia Tech's offensive coaching staff under head coach Brent Key, CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz reported Friday.

It first became clear Hopkins was interested in coaching when he started training camp with the Patriots in an informal coaching role under Mike Vrabel, whose time on the Texans staff overlapped with the receiver.

The Georgia Tech opportunity was made possible by another connection, as offensive coordinator George Godsey worked with Hopkins in both Houston and Baltimore. Godsey also overlapped with Vrabel, so Vrabel might have been able to put in a good word about Hopkins' brief time working with Patriots coaches.

From a playing standpoint, Hopkins had a small role in 2025 and has seen a number of veteran receivers coming off more productive seasons get passed over on the free agent market. He hasn't officially retired, but Hopkins likely sees the writing on the wall.

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What is DeAndre Hopkins' job with Georgia Tech?

Hopkins will be on Georgia Tech's offensive staff, but his exact role is unclear. Considering he's joining late in the offseason and is a first-time coach, it will likely be a low-level role for Hopkins just to get his feet wet.

While Georgia Tech hasn't officially announced his role, Hopkins' 1,006 NFL catches and 13,295 yards make a strong case for him to work with the Yellow Jackets' wide receivers.

DeAndre Hopkins-George Godsey relationship

CBS Sports reports Hopkins has a "longstanding relationship" with Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Godsey, which is no surprise given they worked together at two different stops in the NFL.

Godsey spent three seasons on the Texans' staff early in Hopkins' career, serving as quarterbacks coach in 2024 before taking over as offensive coordinator under Bill O'Brien from 2015-16.

After stints in Detroit and Miami, Godsey reunited with Hopkins in Baltimore in 2025 when the veteran receiver joined the team. Godsey spent the last four seasons as the Ravens' tight ends coach but returned to the college ranks for the first time in 16 years after John Harbaugh was fired. 

Is DeAndre Hopkins retired from football?

Hopkins hasn't officially announced his retirement from football. It's reasonable to think he's comfortable having played his final down since he is jumping into coaching, but his role at Georgia Tech is likely a loose commitment that could allow him to head back to the NFL if the right opportunity opens up.

Georgia Tech also hasn't announced Hopkins' hiring yet, so it's possible Hopkins is waiting for the news to become official to say his playing days are done.

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