UCF is expected to bring in Will Johnson as its next defensive backs coach, a move that reunites him with defensive coordinator Alex Grinch and adds another rising name to the Knights’ staff.
Johnson steps into the role vacated by Brandon Harris, who left for a similar position with the Florida Gators. And while Johnson may not be a household name just yet, his football résumé is already packed with experience both on the field and on the sidelines.
A Baltimore native, Johnson played his college ball at Oklahoma from 2015 to 2017 under legendary coach Bob Stoops. He was a steady presence in the Sooners’ secondary, appearing in 29 games and racking up 120 tackles, two interceptions, and eight pass breakups. After college, he had brief stints in NFL camps with the Jets and Eagles, gaining a taste of the pro level before transitioning into coaching.
His coaching career kicked off in 2020 when he returned to Oklahoma as a graduate assistant on Lincoln Riley’s staff. That’s where he first worked alongside Alex Grinch, then the Sooners’ defensive coordinator. When Riley and Grinch made the move to USC, Johnson followed, continuing in a GA role through the 2023 season.
In 2024, Johnson got his first full-time position coach opportunity at North Dakota State, taking over as the Bisons’ cornerbacks coach. It didn’t take long for him to make an impact - in his first year on staff, NDSU captured a national championship, with Johnson playing a key role in shaping a disciplined and opportunistic secondary.
Now, he’s set to join a UCF program that’s looking to bounce back after a 5-7 campaign in its first season since Scott Frost returned to the helm. Despite the team’s overall struggles, the Knights’ pass defense was a bright spot - they finished in the top 25 nationally, giving up just 185 passing yards per game in 2024.
Bringing in Johnson gives UCF a coach who not only understands what it takes to play at a high level but also has a proven track record of developing talent in the secondary. And with his familiarity with Grinch’s system, the transition should be a smooth one.
For a Knights defense that already showed signs of promise against the pass, Johnson’s arrival could be another step toward building something special in Orlando.