UCF is turning the page in its secondary, and they’re doing it with a rising name in the coaching ranks. Will Johnson is set to become the Knights’ new defensive backs coach heading into the 2026 season - his first full-time role on an FBS staff. But make no mistake: Johnson’s credentials are already turning heads.
Johnson arrives in Orlando after two strong seasons coaching cornerbacks at North Dakota State, where he helped guide the Bison to the 2024 FCS national championship. In 2025, his unit was one of the stingiest in the country, holding opponents to just 148.4 passing yards per game - good for third-best in the FCS.
That kind of lockdown performance doesn’t go unnoticed, and neither did the play of standout corner Jailen Duffie, who earned Second-Team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors. Duffie’s stat line - 15 tackles, a TFL, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble - speaks to the kind of physical, assignment-sound play Johnson demands from his corners.
Despite entering the 2025 FCS playoffs as the No. 1 overall seed, NDSU’s run ended earlier than expected with a second-round upset loss to conference rival Illinois State. Still, Johnson’s impact on that defense - and the respect he earned within the program - was clear.
Bison head coach Tim Polasek didn’t mince words when Johnson was hired, calling him the most knowledgeable and eager candidate among a field of 20. That kind of endorsement carries weight, especially from a coach known for building developmental programs.
Johnson’s coaching roots trace back to some of the biggest names in college football. Before his time at NDSU, he spent four seasons as a graduate assistant under Lincoln Riley - two at Oklahoma and two at USC.
While at USC, he worked closely with current UCF defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. That familiarity with Grinch’s system should smooth Johnson’s transition, and it’s worth noting that the duo helped develop future NFL talent like Mekhi Blackmon, now with the Colts, and Calen Bullock, who’s making plays for the Texans.
As a player, Johnson was no slouch either. A former Oklahoma Sooner, he suited up from 2015 to 2017 and finished his college career with 120 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and eight pass breakups. He also had a cup of coffee in the NFL with the Jets and Eagles before shifting his focus to coaching.
At UCF, Johnson steps into a role vacated by Brandon Harris, who was recently hired by Florida after a strong year leading the Knights’ secondary. Under Harris, UCF ranked No. 25 nationally in passing defense and third in the Big 12 - a significant achievement given the offensive firepower in the league. Harris’ work didn’t go unnoticed either; he was named to the 2026 AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute, a nod to his rising status in the coaching world.
Now it’s Johnson’s turn to build on that foundation. UCF finished 5-7 in Scott Frost’s first season back at the helm, and while the record wasn’t what the Knights hoped for, there were bright spots on defense. Defensive backs Jayden Bellamy and Phillip Dunnam earned All-Big 12 honorable mentions - with Dunnam now NFL-bound and Bellamy a key retention target heading into the January transfer portal window.
For Johnson, the opportunity is clear. He inherits a group with talent, experience, and something to prove. And if his track record is any indication, UCF’s secondary is in good hands.