The Florida Gators didn’t just win the Sunshine Showdown on the field this season - they scored another big-time victory off it, too. Late Friday night, Florida landed a key addition to its coaching staff, beating out rival Florida State for one of the more respected young defensive minds in the state.
Brandon Harris, UCF’s defensive backs coach, is headed to Gainesville. The 35-year-old was being heavily pursued by Florida State, but new Gators head coach Jon Sumrall managed to close the deal and bring Harris into the fold. It’s a savvy hire - and a statement one - for a Florida program that’s clearly wasting no time reshaping its identity under Sumrall.
Harris brings more than just a strong résumé. He brings roots.
He’s been a fixture in Florida football circles for over a decade, both as a player and a coach. From his days locking down receivers at Miami (2008-10), to coaching stints at FIU, Florida State, FAU, and most recently UCF, Harris has practically made the rounds across the Sunshine State’s FBS landscape.
Once he steps on the sideline in Gainesville, the only in-state FBS program he won’t have suited up or coached for is South Florida.
And it’s not just about geography - it’s about production. At UCF this season, Harris helped guide a secondary that finished ranked 25th nationally in pass defense.
That’s no small feat in today’s pass-heavy college game. His unit played fast, physical, and disciplined - traits that align perfectly with the kind of edge Sumrall is trying to bring to The Swamp.
For Florida fans, this hire checks a lot of boxes. It strengthens a defensive staff that’s been in need of fresh energy.
It brings in a coach with deep ties to the region, which can only help on the recruiting trail. And maybe most satisfying of all?
It’s a win over Florida State - again. The Gators already handled business on the field with a 40-21 win over the Seminoles.
Now, they’ve swiped a top coaching target right out from under them.
Harris’ coaching journey is as Florida-centric as it gets. After his playing days at Miami, he had a stint with the Miami Dolphins during training camp in 2016.
He’s coached at FIU (2019, 2021), Florida State (2020), Florida Atlantic (2022-24), and UCF (2025). Now, he’s set to join Florida for the 2026 season.
That kind of experience - especially within the state - is invaluable.
And for Sumrall, who’s just getting started in Gainesville, this is exactly the kind of early win that can set the tone for a new era. The Gators are building something, and with Harris on board, they’re doing it with coaches who know the terrain, know the talent, and know how to compete in the SEC.
All eyes now turn to Sept. 5, when Sumrall and Harris will make their Florida coaching debuts against none other than Florida Atlantic - one of Harris’ former stops. It’s a full-circle moment for a coach who’s been everywhere in Florida… and now finds himself in the heart of Gator Nation.