Report: Temple's Collins emerges as top candidate for Georgia Tech job

Temple's Geoff Collins has emerged as the top candidate to fill the head coaching vacancy at Georgia Tech, a source told Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports.

A deal could be consummated as early as Thursday night, Thamel adds.

Collins is in his second year at Temple and has guided the Owls to a 15-10 record. The former Florida defensive coordinator took over when Matt Rhule left for Baylor.

A native of the Peach State, Collins served Georgia Tech as a graduate assistant from 1999-2001. He returned to the school for a season in 2006 as director of player personnel.

In addition to Collins, the Yellow Jackets are known to have interviewed Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator and Georgia Tech alumnus Ken Whisenhunt for the job.

The position opened up when Paul Johnson announced his retirement after 11 seasons.