UCF Defensive Backs Coach Leaves for NFL Job

Will Johnson, hired just three months ago, is departing UCF to join the Minnesota Vikings' coaching staff.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The University of Central Florida (UCF) is searching for a new defensive backs coach after Will Johnson, who was hired in December, announced he is leaving the program to join the coaching staff of the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL.

Why it matters

This is the second time in three months that UCF has had to replace its defensive backs coach, creating instability in a key position on the coaching staff. The departure of Johnson, who was seen as an up-and-coming coach, is a setback for the Knights as they look to build on a successful 2025 season and compete for a conference championship.

The details

Johnson was hired in December to replace Brandon Harris, who left UCF to join the coaching staff at the University of Florida. Johnson, a Baltimore native, played defensive back at the University of Oklahoma from 2015 to 2017 and had coaching stints at Oklahoma, North Dakota State, and UCF before accepting the defensive backs coach position with the Knights in December 2025.

  • Will Johnson was hired as UCF's defensive backs coach in December 2025.
  • Johnson is leaving UCF to join the Minnesota Vikings' coaching staff in February 2026.

The players

Will Johnson

A former defensive back at the University of Oklahoma who has coaching experience at Oklahoma, North Dakota State, and UCF. He was hired as UCF's defensive backs coach in December 2025 but is now leaving the program to join the Minnesota Vikings' coaching staff.

Scott Frost

The head coach of the UCF football team, who expressed excitement about having Will Johnson join his coaching staff in January 2026.

Brandon Harris

The former defensive backs coach at UCF who left the program in December 2025 to join the coaching staff at the University of Florida.

Jon Sumrall

The head coach at the University of Florida, who hired Brandon Harris to join his coaching staff.

Kevin O'Connell

The head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, who is adding Will Johnson to his coaching staff.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think UCF should ever be afraid to find coaches that are kind of up-and-comers. I've heard that from a lot of people about Will and I can see why, since he's been here, he's going to do a great job for us in the defensive secondary.”

— Scott Frost, Head Coach, UCF (sun-sentinel.com)

What’s next

UCF will need to quickly find a replacement for Will Johnson to lead the defensive backs unit, as the team prepares for the upcoming 2026 season.

The takeaway

The departure of Will Johnson, UCF's new defensive backs coach, to the NFL's Minnesota Vikings is a setback for the Knights as they look to build on their successful 2025 season. This is the second time in three months that UCF has had to replace a key defensive coach, highlighting the challenge of retaining top talent on the coaching staff.