In a surprising twist, the Florida Gators are rumored to be bringing in a new defensive backs coach, Brandon Harris, according to a report by Matt Zenitz. But here's where it gets interesting: Harris was initially expected to join Florida State as their cornerbacks coach, as per Noles247. So, what changed?
Harris has been making waves in the coaching world, having joined the University of Central Florida (UCF) in 2025 and contributing to their impressive 25th national ranking in pass defense this season. His coaching journey began at Florida Atlantic (2022-2024) and then Florida International University (FIU) in 2021, where he honed his skills as a cornerbacks coach.
A former NFL player himself, Harris played cornerback for the University of Miami from 2008-2010 and was drafted in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played for six seasons with various teams, including the Houston, Tennessee, and Miami.
After retiring from the NFL, Harris embarked on his coaching career in 2019 as a graduate assistant at FIU. He spent a year at Florida State in 2020 as a defensive assistant before returning to FIU to coach cornerbacks.
The 35-year-old Miami native has strong ties to Florida, having attended Booker T. Washington High School and being named the Florida Gatorade Player of the Year in 2007. He comes from a family of football greats, as the son of high school coaching legend Tim Harris Sr. and the older brother of former Gators quarterback Treon Harris (2014-2015).
Harris is set to join four other assistant coaches already hired by new head coach Jon Sumrall, including OC Buster Faulkner, DC Brad White, defensive line coach Gerald Chatman, and offensive line coach Phil Trautwein.
And this is the part most people miss: the Gators are also looking to fill the running backs coaching position. Gators Online reported that longtime SEC assistant coach Derrick Nix interviewed for the role this week, and he's also on the radar of Alabama and Ole Miss.
Stay tuned as the Gators continue to build an impressive coaching roster, and don't forget to subscribe to the Daily On3 Newsletter for all the latest updates on this developing story and more!
