SAD NEWS: SO DISAPPOINTING AS FLORIDA GATORS COACH EVENTUALLY DREW BACK.

After reaching an agreement, Will Harris, the defensive backs coach, signed a contract with the Florida Gators on Monday afternoon. According to people with knowledge of Harris’ contract, which runs through the 2025 season, it is a typical two-year arrangement, according to Swamp247.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of the University of Florida Football Program and their incredibly passionate and committed staff,” Harris expressed. It’s an honor, and I’m excited to add to the rich tradition and legacy of excellence this program is known for.

According to people familiar with the situation, Florida’s new secondary coach is anticipated to arrive in Gainesville within the next 24 hours, Swamp247 was informed on Monday afternoon.

Billy Napier, the head coach of Florida, said in a statement, “Will Harris is a true professional. “He will instill confidence and a sense of connection in our defensive backs room,” Napier stated. “He will assist our players in realizing their greatest potential as individuals, learners, and athletes. He has a stellar reputation and background. I’m looking forward to seeing how he affects our team and organization.

Harris excelled in the college sector of the business and quickly rose through the ranks before seizing the chance to become an NFL coach in 2023.

When Harris joined Georgia Southern’s coaching staff in 2022, he was appointed defensive coordinator for the first time. The Eagles’ 15 red zone stops in 2022 ranked second in the FBS and placed them among the top 20 teams in the country for red zone defense. Under Harris’ guidance, Georgia Southern recorded 11 interceptions and 65 pass breakups.

During his four years as defensive backs coach at the University of Washington in Seattle, Harris’ work garnered widespread recognition.

The Huskies were among the top pass-defense teams in the country on a regular basis. In 2021, they recorded the third-best defensive pass efficiency in the FBS.

Harris worked with a number of athletes during his time at Washington, including safety Taylor Rapp and corners Trent McDuffie, Kyler Gordon, Elijah Molden, Byron Murphy Jr., and Myles Bryant.

When Harris joined the coaching staff at San Jose State in 2016, it was his first time playing in the FBS. Harris coached two all-conference defensive backs and two seniors to spots in postseason all-star games during his two years with the Spartans.

Harris started his coaching career in 2013 at Division II Northwestern Oklahoma State. In addition, he oversaw defensive backs at Dixie College in 2015 and Humboldt State in 2014.

The Gators are hoping Harris’s professional and collegiate background will help stabilize the Florida secondary, which had trouble all season long in 2023.

Florida ranked No. 87 in passing yards allowed per game (240.9) and No. 125 nationally in passing yards allowed per attempt against FBS teams (8.5), giving up more explosive plays through the air than nearly every FBS program.

Being thrown into the thick of pre-signing day high school recruiting and the winter transfer portal, Harris will have ample opportunity to quickly rebuild the group.

Swamp247 has learned from sources familiar with Florida’s plans that Harris is anticipated to be among the group of Gator coaches who visit the homes of safety target Greg Smith, corner Jameer Grimsley, and five-star safety commit Xavier Filsaime, who seems to be considering flipping to Texas.

The Gators’ 2024 recruiting class is currently ranked No. 6 nationally by 247Sports team rankings, and it includes defensive back commits Josiah Davis, Teddy Foster, and Filsaime.