Legendary former director of athletics, Dr. Homer Rice, passed away on Monday, June 10 at the age of 97. The Georgia Tech athletics department is grieving the loss of this iconic figure who served as the Yellow Jackets athletics director from 1980 to 1997. During his tenure, he brought in successful head coaches such as Bobby Cremins in basketball, Bobby Ross and George O’Leary in football, Jim Morris and Danny Hall in baseball, and Bruce Heppler in golf. Under his leadership, Georgia Tech secured 16 ACC championships across five sports.
Rice’s contributions to the Georgia Tech community did not end when he retired as athletic director. He continued to teach a leadership class until recently and authored several books on leadership success. In 2021, a statue of Rice was unveiled outside of Bobby Dodd Stadium, where it now stands alongside statues of legendary Georgia Tech coaches John Heisman and Bobby Dodd. Rice’s impact on the Georgia Tech athletics program and community will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
