Success is not an overnight thing, and Brent Key knows it well, as his journey began with his parents’ tireless support that laid the foundation for it. Named Georgia Tech’s 21st head coach on November 29, 2022, Key, a proud alumnus and former football player, has propelled the Yellow Jackets forward ever since. With 14 wins in his first two seasons, he’s tied for the third-most in school history, surpassed only by iconic coaches Paul Johnson and William Alexander. Defying expectations and preseason forecasts, Key has led Tech to consecutive winning seasons and bowl appearances for the first time since 2013-14, all while staying true to the dedication that fueled his impressive journey.

Who are Brent Key’s parents?

Brent Key bleeds Georgia Tech, and there’s no doubt about it. From his time flattening opponents on the offensive line (1997–2000) to graduating with a degree in industrial management in 2001, Key has always given his all to the Yellow Jackets. His sideline energy, dedication to developing players, and profound love for his alma mater make him the type of coach fans believe in. But his game-day persona is rooted in a foundation built well before he became a coach.

Well, Key frequently acknowledges his mother, Donna Key, as his pillar of strength. And why wouldn’t he? As she raised Brent, her only child, with the help of his grandparents, she fostered in him resilience, gratitude, and an unyielding work ethic. His father stays away from the spotlight, but the impact of his close-knit family is evident every time Brent takes the field. For him, it’s more than football—it’s personal.

Now, let’s dive deep into his mother’s career.

What did Brent Key’s mother do?

Brent Key grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, where Donna Key was an elementary school teacher. She taught in the same school where Brent was studying. For some, that might be overwhelming and intimidating, but for Keys, it was developmental. She taught at Birmingham Elementary until he was 13, then the family moved to Clay, a peaceful suburb. There, she continued teaching, instilling in Brent values of discipline, perseverance, and service. He graduated from Hewitt-Trussville High School, carrying the lessons from home and Alabama’s public schools.

Now, fast forward to 2023; the Nashville school shooting deeply affected him. During a press conference, Brent openly shared his emotions. His mother taught third grade for years, and at the time of the shooting, his four-year-old daughter, Harper, was in a school play. The significance of this hit him hard.

“It’s the most heartbreaking thing in the world to think about your daughter going to school,” Key said, voice heavy with emotion. “She’s supposed to be safe and protected. It’s (expletive), man, it is.” His words resonate far beyond football, capturing a deeply human moment from a man whose life has been dedicated to education, community, and now guiding young athletes. By speaking out, Key embodies not just a team but also countless parents and educators who believe schools should be havens of safety, not sources of fear.

But her mother was not the only one who shaped Brent Key’s childhood.

Inside Brent Key’s relationship with his grandparents

Now, growing up, most days revolved around sports and beach trips, usually with his mom and grandparents. Brent Key played basketball and baseball constantly and started collecting baseball cards around age seven. There was almost always a dog around, adding a little fun and friendship to the mix. As an only child in a close family, he got plenty of attention, but there was also plenty of structure. Sundays meant church, then either eating out or having steak and baked potatoes at his grandparents’.

Those times shaped his solid upbringing. And discipline was important early on, and expectations were incredibly high, especially with a mom who was a teacher. Getting a “B” in school wasn’t just a grade; it was a major event. And rules were more than guidelines. When he got his license at sixteen, his 10:00 p.m. curfew was non-negotiable. Being even a minute late felt like a serious crime. He always followed the rules and met expectations, not out of fear, but because that’s how things were—a strict household with no room for excuses.

The saying “this too shall pass” felt like a family heirloom, a mantra his grandmother favored and that stayed with him. As the only child and grandchild in the house, looking back, there wasn’t much space for rebellion. Being good wasn’t a choice—it was simply the way. Life followed a strict code, and though it might have seemed inflexible, those principles built the foundation for all that came after.