Florida's New Defensive Strategy: The Rise of Brandon Harris
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA. The Florida Gators are reportedly set to welcome a new defensive back (DB) coach, Brandon Harris, to their ranks. This move comes as a surprise, considering Harris was previously linked to Florida State. According to reliable sources, the news was first reported by Matt Zenitz, who has a keen eye for college football dynamics.
Harris' Journey to Gainesville
Harris, a former cornerback at the University of Miami, has an impressive coaching background. He joined the University of Central Florida (UCF) in 2025, contributing to the team's 25th-ranked pass defense this season. Prior to UCF, Harris spent three years at Florida Atlantic and one year at Florida International University (FIU), coaching cornerbacks. His playing career included a stint with the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, and Miami Dolphins in the NFL, where he was drafted in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
A Family Legacy in Coaching
Harris, a native of Miami, attended Booker T. Washington High School, where he was named the Florida Gatorade Player of the Year in 2007. He is the son of Tim Harris Sr., a high school coaching legend, and the older brother of Treon Harris, a former quarterback for the Florida Gators. This family connection to the Gators adds a layer of intrigue to his hiring.
Building a Strong Coaching Staff
Harris is the fifth assistant coach to join Jon Sumrall's staff at Florida. Sumrall has also brought in OC Buster Faulkner, DC Brade White, defensive line coach Gerald Chatman, and offensive line coach Phil Trautwein. The addition of Harris is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the team's defensive strategy, building on the success of the previous coaching staff.
The Running Back Position in Focus
Meanwhile, the Gators are also in the spotlight for their running backs coach position. Longtime SEC assistant coach Derrick Nix has interviewed with Florida for this role. Nix spent the last two years as the offensive coordinator at Auburn and has reportedly attracted interest from Alabama and Ole Miss. The search for the right coach to lead the running backs continues, with Nix being a strong contender.
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