Florida Gators Secondary Coach Will Harris as the Florida Gators run through drills during the second week of spring practice at the Indoor Practice Facility in Gainesville, Florida on March 23rd, 2024.
Florida Gators defensive backs coach Will Harris is expected to take a job with in-state rival Miami Hurricanes, multiple sources told Gator Country. Harris served as Florida’s secondary coach in 2024 after joining the program in December of 2023.
In his lone season with UF, Harris helped Florida achieve a four-game winning streak to end the year, where the Gators held opponents to just 13 points per game. Florida allowed 227.5 passing yards for game under Harris’ watch, which ranked 83rd in the country. In the final four games, Florida allowed just 203.5 passing yards per game despite having a number of injuries in the secondary.
The Gators ranked T-14th in the country in turnovers gained which included 14 interceptions, a major improvement from just three in 2023. The Gators also recorded 48 pass deflections compared to 37 a year ago.
Despite a sluggish start to the season, Harris got tremendous play from senior defensive back Jason Marshall before his season ending injury.
“I just feel like the energy and the vibe is there,” Marshall said on Harris’ addition. “I feel like in the DB room it can make a change. We only had like three turnovers last year (three interceptions). I know that’s like a big emphasis for Coach Harris — get the ball. If the ball’s in the air it’s ours. I just feel like the vibe and the energy is there.”
Harris brought in a number of defensive backs through the portal and high school ranks, including transfer Trikweze Bridges, who Harris targeted early in the process. One could argue Bridges was Florida’s defensive MVP in 2024 as he was forced to play safety, corner, and nickel due to injuries in the secondary.
Harris’ is expected to oversee the safety unit at Miami.
The Gators recently hired Vinnie Sunseri as their co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach, who could be the front runner to oversee the entire secondary with Harris’ departure.
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