UCF Cornerbacks Coach Will Johnson Departs for Minnesota Vikings

Scott Frost must now fill a key staff opening on his defensive coaching team.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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After just two months at UCF, cornerbacks coach Will Johnson has departed to accept a defensive assistant role with the NFL's Minnesota Vikings. Johnson previously spent time as a graduate assistant under UCF defensive coordinator Alex Grinch at Oklahoma and USC.

Why it matters

Johnson's departure leaves UCF head coach Scott Frost with a key staff opening to fill on the defensive side of the ball, just as the Knights prepare to open spring practice in late March.

The details

Johnson joined UCF in January after spending the previous two seasons coaching cornerbacks at North Dakota State. Before that, he worked four seasons as a graduate assistant under UCF defensive coordinator Alex Grinch at Oklahoma and USC. In his short time at UCF, Johnson made a notable connection during transfer portal recruiting, as the Knights signed one of his former North Dakota State players in cornerback Jailen Duffie.

  • Will Johnson joined UCF in January 2026.
  • Will Johnson departed UCF for the Minnesota Vikings in February 2026.

The players

Will Johnson

Former UCF cornerbacks coach who has departed to join the Minnesota Vikings as a defensive assistant.

Scott Frost

Head coach of the UCF football team, who must now fill the vacancy left by Johnson's departure.

Alex Grinch

UCF defensive coordinator, who previously worked with Johnson as a graduate assistant at Oklahoma and USC.

Jailen Duffie

Cornerback who transferred from North Dakota State to UCF, having previously played for Johnson.

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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 (on3.com)

What’s next

Frost will now turn his attention to filling the vacancy left by Johnson's departure, with one possible option being Travis Fisher, a former defensive backs coach at Syracuse, Nebraska and UCF who is currently on staff as a senior defensive analyst.

The takeaway

Johnson's departure for the NFL's Minnesota Vikings leaves UCF with a key staff opening on the defensive side of the ball, just as the Knights prepare to open spring practice. This highlights the challenge of retaining top assistant coaches, especially when they attract interest from professional teams.