Brandon Harris, a former second-round NFL Draft pick, has taken on a new role as the defensive backs coach for UCF football as of the 2025 season. Well-known in Florida’s football circles, Harris joins the Knights after a successful three-year tenure at Florida Atlantic University, where he served as an assistant coach.
“I’m incredibly excited to join the UCF program and compete at the highest level in the Big 12 Conference,” Harris expressed. “Growing up in South Florida, I’ve watched UCF build a dynamic football culture. Now, getting a chance to be here and work with an outstanding group of student-athletes and coaches is an opportunity I’m beyond excited for.”
Harris’s recent experience includes serving as the co-defensive coordinator and cornerbacks coach at FAU, where he made a significant impact in the 2024 season. Under his guidance, the Owls achieved 11 interceptions and two defensive touchdowns, contributing to their ranking among the nation’s top 40 teams in red zone defense. His coaching excellence was evident as the defense managed to hold seven opponents to 25 points or fewer, including a notable performance against AAC Champion Army, which completed an undefeated conference season.
His efforts at FAU also led to individual accolades, with true freshman defensive back CJ Heard earning Third Team All-AAC honors, while linebacker Jarron Morris showcased his talent by leading the team in multiple defensive categories, including tackles for loss and interceptions.
Before his time at FAU, Harris held the position of cornerbacks coach at FIU in 2021 and served as a defensive analyst at Florida State in 2020. His roots in South Florida extend to a standout collegiate career at the University of Miami, where he was recognized as a Phil Steele Second Team All-American and a First Team All-ACC selection in 2009. That year, he excelled defensively, ranking among the best in the nation for pass breakups and tackles.
Drafted in the second round by the Houston Texans in 2011, Harris enjoyed a six-year professional career in the NFL, also playing for the Tennessee Titans and Miami Dolphins, and won a Grey Cup Championship with the Toronto Argonauts in 2017.
The legacy of football runs deep in the Harris family. Brandon is the son of Tim Harris Sr., a renowned high school coach in Miami, and the younger brother of Tim Harris Jr., who served as UCF’s offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach in 2024. With such a strong football background, Harris’s addition to the UCF coaching staff is set to enhance the program’s defensive strategy and success as they move into this new chapter in the Big 12 Conference.