GAINESVILLE — UCF defensive backs coach Brandon Harris reportedly will join new UF coach Jon Sumrall’s staff instead of heading to Florida State.
According to Matt Zenitz of CBSSports, Harris is headed to Gainesville after the 35-year-old appeared bound for Tallahassee to replace Patrick Surtain Sr.
Harris is the younger brother of former UCF offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr., who also coached the Knights’ receivers in 2024 under former head coach Gus Malzahn. Tim Harris Sr. was a highly successful coach at Miami’s Booker T. Washington Senior High School.
Under Brandon Harris, UCF ranked 25th in the country in passing defense, allowing an average of 185.1 yards.
Harris inherited a secondary with veteran safety Braeden Marshall among a dozen returners. Nine newcomers included seven transfers, including cornerbacks Jayden Bellamy, who led UCF with nine passes defended, and Phillip Dunham, who had a team-leading three interceptions.
Harris signed a two-year agreement in February to serve under Scott Frost, earning $275,000 annually. Harris’ buyout is 50% of the remaining balance of his payable salary, except if he resigns for a head coaching or coordinator position (collegiate or higher) or an NFL coaching job.
After the 2024 season, the Gators hired Deron Wilson, who earned $300,000 to coach cornerbacks, and Vinnie Sunseri to coach safeties at a salary of $400,000.
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com