The Florida Gators entered the 2025 season staring down what could only be described as a gauntlet of doom. With a murderer’s row of opponents that included Miami, Georgia, and Texas, along with at least eight games against top-tier competition, the road ahead was nothing short of treacherous. Yet, Billy Napier and his squad fought tooth and nail, clawing their way to an 8-5 finish—a dramatic improvement over their 5-7 collapse in 2023.
The momentum was shifting. Hope was brewing in Gainesville.
And then, just when things seemed to stabilize, a gut punch landed from the south.
Miami Strikes: The Will Harris Shockwave Hits Gainesville
Just as Napier was assembling the final pieces of his coaching staff, defensive backs coach Will Harris dropped a bombshell—he was jumping ship to Mario Cristobal’s Miami Hurricanes. The departure sent tremors through the Florida program, leaving a glaring void in their defensive staff.
It wasn’t just the loss of a coach—it was the loss of a key architect of Florida’s defensive resurgence.
Harris had played a pivotal role in tightening up the Gators’ defense, cutting their points allowed per game from 27.6 in 2023 to 23.1 in 2024. The improvement might seem minor on the surface, but when factored over an entire season, those precious few points can mean the difference between a win and a loss. Under Harris, Florida’s total yards conceded per game also shrank, a testament to his impact in refining the backline.
And now, just as the Gators were looking to build upon their defensive gains, they’re scrambling to fill one of the most critical positions on their staff. So, what happens next?
The Search Begins: Who Can Step Into Will Harris’s Shoes?
Losing a key coach at this stage of the offseason is like losing your ace pilot before taking off for battle—you don’t just need a replacement; you need a game-changer.
Napier and the Gators are already scouring the coaching landscape, and several top candidates have emerged as potential successors to Harris. Hightop Sports Podcast has identified two prime contenders, both of whom bring unique strengths to the table.
Candidate #1: Corey Bell – The Familiar Face
If Florida is looking for a trusted hand with a deep connection to the program, then Corey Bell is an obvious choice.
- Experience? Check. Bell has a long history of coaching defensive backs, working with elite talents like C.J. Gardner-Johnson, C.J. Henderson, and Duke Dawson during his previous stint at Florida in 2017.
- SEC Background? Absolutely. Currently serving as Mississippi State’s cornerbacks coach, Bell has first-hand experience navigating the rough-and-tumble world of SEC defenses.
- A smooth transition? Most likely. Given his prior knowledge of the Gators’ defensive culture, Bell could seamlessly integrate back into Gainesville, allowing Florida to maintain continuity despite Harris’s departure.
But while Bell would bring familiarity, another name has surfaced that could be an even bolder, high-upside hire…
Candidate #2: Deron Wilson – The Rising Star
If the Gators want a young, hungry coach on the rise, Deron Wilson could be their man.
Currently the defensive coordinator at Georgia State, Wilson just secured the role, but his impressive résumé suggests he might be ready for an even bigger stage. Before stepping into his current role, he sharpened his skills in the SEC, serving as Arkansas’s defensive backs coach. His impact there was impossible to ignore.
Why Wilson Could Be a Perfect Fit for Florida
- Arkansas’s Defensive Transformation – Under Wilson’s watch, the Razorbacks became one of the most respected pass defenses in the SEC.
- Ranked 4th in the SEC in passing yards allowed per game (208.8 YPG).
- Secured 12 interceptions, ranking third in the SEC.
- Helped Arkansas achieve their best season since 2011.
- Developing Young Stars – Wilson has proven he can cultivate talent, turning young defensive backs into playmakers.
- Jaylon Braxton emerged as a star, earning Freshman All-SEC honors after tallying 21 tackles and 12 solo stops in 2023.
- CB Dwight McGlothern and Alfahiym Walcott also flourished under his guidance.
- Ties to Florida’s System – Wilson isn’t just an outsider looking in—he’s been here before. He previously worked at Florida as a Quality Control Assistant, closely collaborating with the Gators’ cornerbacks coach Corey Raymond. That past experience could give him a leg up in stepping into a bigger role at Gainesville.
The Stakes Are High: Will Napier Get This Hire Right?
Billy Napier’s tenure at Florida has been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. After a rocky start, the 2024 season injected hope into the fanbase, proving that the Gators were on the right trajectory. But now, with Harris gone, Napier finds himself at a critical crossroads.
The wrong hire could set Florida’s defense back, undoing the progress they fought so hard to achieve. But the right hire could solidify their status as a rising powerhouse, ensuring that their secondary remains a force to be reckoned with in the SEC.
So, does Napier go with the safe, familiar choice in Corey Bell, or does he take a swing for the fences with Deron Wilson?
One thing is certain—Florida cannot afford to miss on this hire.
With a brutal 2025 schedule looming, the Gators’ defense needs a leader who can step in and keep the momentum alive. The battle isn’t just on the field—it’s happening in the coaching offices. And right now, the pressure is on Napier to make the move that could define Florida’s future.
The clock is ticking, Gainesville. Who’s stepping up next?
