ATLANTA–Georgia Tech offensive line coach Mac McWhorter has been elevated to the position of assistant head coach, head coach George O’Leary announced Tuesday, December 5.
McWhorter, who will continue to coach the Yellow Jackets’ offensive line, returned to Georgia Tech in 2000 for his second tour of duty with the Rambling Wreck. He previously coached at Tech from 1980-86 under Bill Curry.
“I’m very happy to promote Mac McWhorter to the position of assistant head coach,” said O’Leary. “It is well-deserved for someone who has been an outstanding assistant coach for many years. He’s done a tremendous job with our offensive line this year.”
McWhorter’s offensive line has been a major factor in Tech’s offensive success in 2000. Inheriting a unit that returned only two starters, McWhorter has tutored a line that leads the Atlantic Coast Conference in fewest sacks allowed while helping the Jackets rank among the top 20 nationally in scoring, total offense and passing offense. Tackle Chris Brown earned first-team all-America and all-conference honors while guard Brent Key was a first-team all-ACC selection.
“I’m very grateful to Coach O’Leary for this opportunity,” said McWhorter. “Georgia Tech has always been very special to me. I really enjoy working at this school and in this football program. Most importantly, I love working with the kids at Georgia Tech. This is home, and I’m very excited about our future.”
A native of Atlanta, McWhorter spent 1999 as co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Memphis. Prior to that, McWhorter, 50, coached the offensive line and tight ends at Clemson for three seasons. The Tigers led the ACC in rushing in 1996 and ranked second in 1997 and McWhorter was credited for the strong play of the offensive line.
McWhorter began his college coaching career at Georgia Tech in 1980. After working with the wide receivers for one year, he took over the offensive line in 1981 and also served as Tech’s recruiting coordinator. McWhorter was promoted to assistant head coach in 1985, when the Jackets played in the All-American Bowl and posted a 9-2-1 record.
In 1987, McWhorter moved with Curry to Alabama, where he served as assistant head coach and offensive line coach. The Crimson Tide was ranked in the top 20 during his tenure and participated in the Sun Bowl.
McWhorter left Alabama in 1989 to become head football coach at West Georgia College, an NCAA Division II program. In 1990, he joined the staff at Duke, and after one season as offensive line coach, he moved to Georgia, his alma mater, for five seasons.
After graduating from Therrell High School in Atlanta in 1969, McWhorter attended Georgia on football scholarship and received his bachelor’s degree in education in 1974. He was a three-year letterman and an All-Academic Southeastern Conference selection in 1972 and 1973. As a senior, McWhorter was an All-Southeastern Conference offensive guard and received honorable mention all-America acclaim. He was named permanent captain of the 1973 squad while maintaining the highest grade point average on the football team. Georgia played in two bowl games in his career.
Before entering the college ranks, McWhorter coached six years on the high school level. He served as an assistant coach at Duluth (Ga.) High School in 1974, and at Douglas County (Ga.) High School between 1975-78 before becoming the head coach at Villa Rica (Ga.) High School in 1979, where he was named Carroll County Coach of the Year.
