Duke and Georgia Tech Face Off in Coaching Duel

To compete in any sport, teams obviously need talent and personnel on the floor or field, but coaching is where the underlying advantage lies.

These two programs clearly have the coaching in place to make a significant push in the ACC and for a spot in the College Football Playoff later this season.

Duke's Manny Diaz

The Duke Blue Devils are led by head coach Manny Diaz, who is 13-6 in his first two seasons. Meanwhile, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are led by Brent Key, who is in his fourth season as the team's head coach. He took over as an interim in 2022.

Sep 6, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz during the fourth quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

Both coaches have success at other places and have taken that experience into their respective roles, playing a monumental part in turning these programs around.

With all that being said, which team has the edge in the coaching department? Let's take a look at this coaching battle and determine which side should feel more confident in their coaching staff.

Sep 3, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils helmet during pregame activities before the start against the Charlotte 49ers at Jerry Richardson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Diaz has made it evident that he can make an impact everywhere he lands as a coordinator/head coach. When he was the defensive coordinator at Penn State, the Nittany Lions' defense was an elite unit.

Georgia Tech's Brent Key

Oct 11, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets head coach Brent Key on the sideline against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the third quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The 51-year-old head coach has transferred that philosophy to Duke, as the Blue Devils boast one of the most underrated defenses in the nation. Diaz has shown he can change the culture and mindset in any program, which shows his adaptability and evolution as a head coach.

Aug 29, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets head coach Brent Key following the game winning touchdown by quarterback Haynes King (10) (not pictured) in the fourth quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Key has also shown the ability to make a positive impact on his players and staff, which has helped Georgia Tech in recent memory. Since taking over in 2022, Key has led the Yellow Jackets to two winning seasons, which they had not accomplished since 2018, three victories against top 10-ranked opponents, and back-to-back bowl appearances.

Oct 11, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets head coach Brent Key and quarterback Haynes King (10) celebrate after a victory over the Virginia Tech Hokies at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

It goes without saying that Key and this coaching staff have turned around a mostly afterthought of a program in recent memory to a legitimate ACC contender. The fact that Key has been present for this entire turnaround is significant, with the players and coaching staff believing in him because of his track record.

With all of that being said, the Duke Blue Devils should feel that they have the coaching edge. Especially in a game where they are at home with their fans behind them, Diaz should be able to use that to his advantage. Georgia Tech's coaching staff should not be written off, however.

Oct 10, 2020; Syracuse, New York, USA; General view of a football on top of an end zone marker with the Atlantic Coast Conference logo displayed prior to the game against the Duke Blue Devils and the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images | Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

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