DeAndre Hopkins clarifies his NFL future after taking college coaching job

Just because DeAndre Hopkins is starting to coach, it doesn’t mean he’s done playing, the wide receiver clarified.And just because the former Pro Bowler is going on to college, it doesn’t mean he’s giving up on another chance in the NFL.In a whirlwind week for the 34-year-old Hopkins, he dipped his toe into the next chapter of his career without completely turning the page on the last.Hopkins was with New England and Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel at last week’s practices, helping out with the wideouts while looking for a coaching gig.He landed one on Friday, taking a position as an assistant wide receivers coach for Georgia Tech.But the next day, Hopkins took to social media to clear up any confusion, giving his recruiting pitch for his new employer but also clarifying that he still has every intention to keep playing and is looking for an NFL contract.“I Haven’t retired from the @NFL … But if you’re a WR and you want to be great, come to @GeorgiaTechFB,” Hopkins wrote on X.Hopkins is a shadow of the player who made five Pro Bowls and was named first-team All-Pro five times.But he seemingly has enough left in the tank to still play, having caught 22 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns last season with Baltimore.

He suggested the Ravens didn’t utilize him enough — a common refrain from receivers — and is clearly looking for a contract in 2026.But he’s also looking to break into coaching.His assistant wide receiver job with the Yellow Jackets isn’t just his first opportunity, but it also doubles as a reunion with Georgia Tech offensive coordinator George Godsey.They spent three seasons together in Houston, with Godsey the Texans’ quarterback coach during Hopkins’ second year in the NFL (2014) before getting promoted to be their offensive coordinator for the next two campaigns....