Multiple college football insiders have reported that Syracuse University is set to appoint former Georgia Tech special teams coordinator Ricky Brumfield as their new special teams coach. This move comes after a period of uncertainty surrounding Brumfield's departure from Georgia Tech in October, where he held multiple coaching roles. With over two decades of experience in college football, Brumfield brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Orange, aiming to improve their underperforming special teams unit.

Brumfield's Departure from Georgia Tech Under Scrutiny

The circumstances surrounding Brumfield's exit from Georgia Tech remain somewhat mysterious. After initially joining the Yellow Jackets for the 2021 season, Brumfield was promoted to associate head coach and took on additional responsibilities. However, his tenure ended abruptly in October, with limited information provided by the university. Despite this, Brumfield's contributions during his first year were notable, including the team's success in blocking kicks and developing a promising freshman kicker.

In his farewell message on social media, Brumfield indicated that leaving the program was a personal decision, describing it as "difficult." His performance in the first year earned him praise, particularly for the team's ability to block four kicks, ranking third nationally. However, the second year saw a decline in performance, especially in field-goal kicking and net punting. These mixed results highlight both his strengths and challenges as a coach.

Aiming for Improvement at Syracuse

Syracuse's special teams unit has struggled in recent seasons, finishing near the bottom of the ACC rankings. The hiring of Brumfield represents a strategic move to address these shortcomings. With his extensive background in college football, including stints at Virginia and other institutions, Brumfield is expected to bring fresh perspectives and strategies to enhance the team's performance.

Syracuse's special teams have been particularly weak in areas such as field-goal kicking and net punting, where they ranked last and 15th in the ACC, respectively. Brumfield's experience with developing talent and improving specific aspects of special teams could be crucial for turning things around. His track record, despite its ups and downs, demonstrates his capability to adapt and innovate, which may prove beneficial for the Orange as they look to elevate their overall game.