The Florida Gators are set to hire Georgia State defensive coordinator Deron Wilson as their new defensive backs coach, according to multiple reports. Wilson steps in to replace Will Harris, who recently left for a role with the Miami Hurricanes.
This marks Wilson’s second time in Gainesville, having previously worked as a quality control analyst for the Gators in 2022 under then-cornerbacks coach Corey Raymond.
In 2023 and 2024, Wilson served as Arkansas’ secondary coach, making a strong impact. During the 2023 season, the Razorbacks’ pass defense ranked fourth in the SEC and 32nd nationally, allowing just 202.8 yards per game. The team also recorded 12 interceptions, the third-highest in the conference. However, these numbers declined in 2024 before Wilson departed for Georgia State in January.
Before joining Arkansas, Wilson was the defensive coordinator at McNeese State (2020-21), where he led a dominant defense that topped the Southland Conference in total defense, scoring defense, and rushing defense. His coaching career also includes four seasons at UTSA, where he advanced from a graduate assistant to cornerbacks coach.
As a player, Wilson was a standout at Southern Miss (2010-12) and was named to the Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List before an injury ended his senior season. He started 39 consecutive games, contributing to multiple bowl appearances and finishing his career with 171 tackles and eight interceptions, four of which he returned for touchdowns.
Wilson is the third significant addition to Florida’s defensive staff this offseason, joining co-defensive coordinators Vinnie Sunseri and Robert Bala under head coach Billy Napier.
