McCollum leaves Pack for Georgia Tech

Andy McCollum, who had coached linebackers for three seasons at N.C. State, is leaving to join Georgia Tech’s staff.

Pending formal approval by the school, McCollum will serve as defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator for the Yellow Jackets.

McCollum, 50, grew up in Marietta, Ga., where his father still lives. He had recruited Georgia for N.C. State.

"It's a great opportunity to come back home to Georgia and work at an outstanding school,” McCollum said in a statement released by Georgia Tech. “I'm also excited about continuing the relationships within the state that I have developed over the years. Without question, some of the best high school football programs are in the state of Georgia.”

McCollum had served as Middle Tennessee State’s head coach from 1999 to 2005. He helped N.C. State land eight players from Georgia in the Class of 2009.

Those players included Rashard Smith, who started at cornerback as a freshman before a season-ending injury, and promising center Camden Wentz.

"We will be happy to have a coach with the experience and knowledge that Andy will bring to our program," Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson said. "I have coached against and recruited against him for a long time, and I am confident he will do an outstanding job here at Tech."