UCF defensive backs coach Brandon Harris was expected to depart for Florida State earlier this week. Now, it appears he's headed to the Gators.
Brandon Harris is indeed leaving Orlando, but he's not destined for Tallahassee.
Just two days after UCF's defensive backs coach reportedly was working toward joining Mike Norvell's staff at Florida State, the rival Gators swooped in. Harris is set to fill the DB role on Jon Sumrall's first Florida staff, per a report by CBS Sports' Matt Zenith on Friday, Dec. 12.
The 35-year-old just completed his first season with the Knights after arriving from Florida Atlantic. According to an executive summary provided by UCF Athletics, Harris was set to make a guaranteed $275,000 in the second year of his two-year contract.
UCF ranked 25th in the Football Bowl Subdivision against the pass during the 2025 season, allowing 185.1 yards per game. Florida tied for 73rd, allowing 222.9 yards per game.
Earlier this week, Harris was named to the AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute class — a prestigious program designed to identify and develop premier, future leaders in the football coaching profession.
During his Dec. 3 press conference, UCF head coach Scott Frost expressed a desire to find a full-time offensive line coach to fill the void left by the late Shawn Clark. He did not plan to make any further staff changes, but added, "You never know. You could be surprised by some things."
Travis Fisher, Frost's defensive backs coach at UCF from 2016-17 and at Nebraska from 2018-22, spent the past year as a senior defensive analyst for the Knights. He could be a sensible choice, though Frost showed a willingness to hire assistants with whom he had not previously worked when building his staff last winter.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: UCF Knights football DB coach Brandon Harris leaves for Florida Gators
Category: General Sports
