Three Things To Know About New Georgia Tech Defensive Play Caller Vinnie Sunseri

Sunseri is going to be taking over for former defensive coordinator Jason Semore

Florida Gators co-defensive coordinator for safeties Vinnie Sunseri screams during fall football practice at Heavener Football Complex at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun] | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Georgia Tech made some big changes yesterday when it came to their coaching staff.

After another embarrassing performance, a 44-17 loss to Louisville, Brent Key dismissed wide receivers coach Jafar Williams, offensive line coach Allen Mogridge, defensive ends coach Kyle Pope, and defensive coordinator Jason Semore. None of the dismissals are shocking, especially on the defensive side of the ball, where Georgia Tech ranks near the bottom in every major statistical category.

After the changes were announced, the natural question became: who would take over defensive play calling for Semore? The answer is safeties coach Vinnie Sunseri. Sunseri is in his first season with the Yellow Jackets, coming over after spending a season with the Florida Gators, where he was the safeties coach and co-defensive coordinator. He is going to have the responsibility of getting Georgia Tech's defense ready for Clemson on Saturday, Wake Forest next Saturday, and then the rivalry game against Georgia to end the season.

Here are three things that you need to know about Sunseri.

1. He played safety for Nick Saban at Alabama and started his coaching career in Tuscaloosa

I would venture to say that most people that know Sunseri remember him for his playing days with the Crimson Tide. He was a safety for Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa, during the hay day of their dynasty, and was one of the best defensive backs in the SEC during his run.

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After his playing career under the greatest coach of all time, Sunseri was a fifth-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in the 2014 NFL draft and spent a few seasons in the NFL before becoming a coach. His first coaching stop was at Alabama, as a graduate assistant for former Crimson Tide defensive Charles Kelly before he headed back to the NFL to coach.

2. He is not just a defensive coach

When Sunseri was with the New England Patriots, he began as a defensive assistant, but then transitioned to coaching running backs.

In 2021, Sunseri helped guide former Alabama running back Damien Harris to career highs in rushing yards (929) and touchdowns (15), the latter of which tied for second in the NFL that season.

3. He has multiple coaching stops in the Big Ten and SEC

After leaving the Patriots, Sunseri was on Steve Belichick's defensive staff at the Univeristy of Washington, coaching safeties. He then left for a similar job at the University of Florida under Billy Napier last season before arriving on The Flats.