DeAndre Hopkins says he is not retired, takes on assistant receivers role at Georgia Tech

DeAndre Hopkins is entering the next phase of his football career while insisting it is not the end of his time as a player. On Aug. 1, Hopkins, the five-time All-Pro wide receiver, said he is not retired from the NFL after taking a job at Georgia Tech as an assistant receivers coach for the 2026 season.

The move is notable because Hopkins has been a high-impact NFL pass-catcher, and coaching typically indicates a transition away from the field. But Hopkins framed it as a parallel step. In reporting about the hire, Yahoo Sports noted that Hopkins did not sign with an NFL team as a free agent during the current offseason, even as he accepted the Georgia Tech role.

Hopkins’ exact day-to-day responsibilities are not detailed in the available account, but the title is specific: assistant receivers coach. That means his primary focus in the program will be working with the wide receiver group, supporting game-plan implementation, route and technique development, and player performance during practices and fall camp.

For Georgia Tech, the appeal is immediate experience. A receiver coach who has played at the highest level brings a perspective that goes beyond drills, including how quarterbacks read coverage, how routes evolve across game situations, and how timing and leverage translate from film study to live execution. Hopkins’ presence also adds recruiting and cultural value, especially for a position room that benefits from credible mentorship.

For the NFL, Hopkins’ comments add uncertainty to any assumption that his NFL playing career has closed. If he remains medically and physically able to compete, a coaching job does not technically prevent an eventual return. At the same time, joining a college staff can also become a long-term commitment as spring and fall recruiting cycles progress and as a coach’s responsibilities grow.

What to watch next is how Hopkins’ dual track unfolds in practice. Georgia Tech’s 2026 offseason calendar, receiver development under his guidance, and any follow-on statements from Hopkins about his intentions will clarify whether this is a temporary detour or the beginning of a full coaching path. Until then, his message to fans and the league is clear: he says his playing days are not over.