Ryan Hybl Bids Farewell to Oklahoma, Embarks on New Chapter at Georgia Tech

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Ryan Hybl concluded his tenure as head coach of the University of Oklahoma on Monday as his team played through the front nine at La Costa. The Sooners entered the day in ninth place, just one shot shy of breaking into the top eight, but a return to match play eluded Hybl’s program, which he had successfully revitalized over the past 17 years.

Just a week prior, the 45-year-old Hybl was announced as the new head coach at Georgia Tech, succeeding the renowned Bruce Heppler. Facing the whirlwind of attention surrounding his departure, Hybl opted to be transparent with his players before the national championship. He shared the news on a Sunday afternoon, stating, “A lot of folks, when they go through stuff like this, they hide behind the curtains, and that’s not who I am. I’m not usually a crier, but there were a lot of tears.”

Emotions ran high as he reflected on nearly two decades with the Sooners, a period that included leading the team to the 2017 NCAA Championship and securing a total of 51 team titles. Under his leadership, Oklahoma made 15 consecutive national appearances, and he consistently produced at least one All-American player each season. “It’s never been about the championships; it’s been about the journey, and you never want that journey to end,” Hybl remarked.

Hybl, who identifies as a builder, is excited about the prospect of guiding the Yellow Jackets toward their first NCAA team title. While acknowledging the solid foundation left by Heppler, he welcomes the new challenges ahead. “This is an opportunity for new challenges and a new climb. You know, the climb is a little bit of my drug,” he explained. Heppler expressed confidence in Hybl, stating, “I believe we’ve just hired the best coach in Division I golf.”

Contrary to speculation about salary cuts from Oklahoma’s athletic director, Hybl clarified that his decision was largely motivated by a desire to be closer to family in Georgia. His brother resides in Atlanta, and his parents and in-laws live nearby. “We’ve missed out on a lot,” he admitted. “There’s no doubt family was a big part of the decision.”

Hybl’s move to Georgia Tech is particularly notable given his previous connections to rival Georgia, where he played and served as an assistant coach. However, he revealed that he had initially committed to the Yellow Jackets in high school before ultimately choosing Georgia. “I have always had a love for what that school meant and the brotherhood of Georgia Tech golf,” he said, underscoring his deep ties to the program and its community.