The Florida Gators are set to hire Georgia State defensive coordinator Deron Wilson as their new defensive backs coach, based on reporting from an array of outlets. Wilson replaces Will Harris, who recently departed for a position with the Miami Hurricanes.
This will be Wilson's second stint in Gainseville. He previously served as a quality control analyst with the Gators in 2022, working alongside then-cornerbacks coach Corey Raymond.
In 2023 and 2024, Wilson was the secondary coach at Arkansas, where he made a notable impact. In 2023, the Razorbacks' pass defense ranked fourth in the SEC and 32nd nationally, allowing just 202.8 yards per game. The team also secured 12 interceptions, ranking third in the conference.
These numbers dipped in 2024 before Wilson left to take the DC job at Georgia State back in January.
Before his stint at Arkansas, Wilson served as the defensive coordinator at McNeese State (2020-21), where he led one of the top defenses in the Southland Conference. During his time there, McNeese ranked first in total defense, scoring defense, and rushing defense in the conference. His coaching career also includes four seasons at UTSA, where he progressed from a graduate assistant to cornerbacks coach.
Wilson was a standout player at Southern Miss (2010-12) and was a Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List honoree before an injury ended his senior season. He started 39 consecutive games, helping lead the Golden Eagles to multiple bowl appearances. His playing career saw him record 171 tackles and eight interceptions, four of which were returned for touchdowns.
Wilson becomes the third notable addition to Florida's defensive staff this off-season, as Billy Napier has also added co-defensive coordinators Vinnie Sunseri and Robert Bala alongside Wilson.