Jan. 22, 2002
ATLANTA – Curtis Modkins, who has spent the past four seasons as cornerbacks coach at the University of New Mexico, has been named to the Georgia Tech football staff as running backs coach, head coach Chan Gailey announced Tuesday.
“Curtis is a bright young coach who played running back in college, and he comes highly recommended from a lot of people,” said Gailey. “He was a coaching intern with us when I was with the Dallas Cowboys, and he was very impressive then.”
The naming of Modkins gives Tech six assistant coaches, joining offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, wide receivers coach Tommie Robinson, offensive line coach Joe D’Allesandris, tight ends coach David Wilson and defensive line coach Glenn Spencer.
“It’s an exciting time to be coming to Georgia Tech and joining a very successful football program,” said Modkins, who officially begins his duties Friday. “It’s a great opportunity for me to work with Coach Gailey, who is one of the best, and I’m looking forward to getting started.”
Modkins comes to Tech after an impressive stint on the defensive side of the ball at New Mexico. This past season, UNM’s first winning season in five, Modkins’ cornerbacks helped the Lobos rank 18th in the nation in total defense and haul in 15 total interceptions, and senior Stephen Persely was named to the all-Mountain West Conference first team with six interceptions.
From 1998 to 2000, UNM’s passing yardage allowed declined each year, from a high of 222.3 in 1998 to 194.1 in 2000. In 2000, the Lobos’ corners accounted for five of UNM’s 15 interceptions on the season.
In Modkins’ second season at UNM, 1999, his cornerbacks combined were major contributors in the team’s +0.18 turnover margin (third in the league, 41st nationally), compared to -0.83 in 1998. The Lobos picked off eight passes, six of which came in the final seven games.
Modkins came to New Mexico from Texas Christian University, where he was a graduate assistant in 1985 and a defensive assistant coach from 1996-97.
Modkins was a three-year starter at running back at TCU, where he rushed for 2,763 yards and caught 54 passes during his career. He was a second team all-Southwest Conference selection in 1992 and ranked third on the Horned Frogs’ career rushing list at the end of his career.
Upon the completion of his playing career, Modkins served for three years on Pat Sullivan’s staff. He was a graduate assistant in 1995, the secondary coach in 1996 and the tight ends coach in 1997 before moving to New Mexico. While at New Mexico, Modkins served a summer internship with the Cowboys in 1999.
Modkins received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from TCU in 1993. He earned his M.L.A. degree from TCU in 1997. Modkins is married to the former Kristi Ford, and the couple has a son, Jett, age 6, and a daughter, Mariah, 2.
Modkins At-A-GlanceBorn: November 15, 1970)Birthplace: Marlin, TexasAlma Mater: TCU, 1993Playing Experience: TCU, running back (1989-92)Coaching Experience:1995 Graduate Assistant, TCU1996 Secondary Coach, TCU1997 Tight Ends Coach, TCU1998-01 Cornerbacks Coach, New Mexico
