Billy Napier publicly addresses adding Vinnie Sunseri as co-defensive coordinator

Florida has made its hire of Vinnie Sunseri official, the program announced on Thursday morning.

Sunseri will serve as the team’s co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach, according to a press release. He’ll give Florida some strong pedigree on the coaching staff.

A former two-time national champion with Alabama as a player from 2011-12, Sunseri most recently served as the safeties coach at Washington in 2024. He had spent the previous four years on staff with the New England Patriots.

“Vinnie Sunseri has a great pedigree coming from a football family and has also played and coached for exceptional coaches throughout his career,” head coach Billy Napier said in a press release. “He is a two-time national champion with NFL and collegiate experience. Vinnie will help our organization improve as we continue to build. I’m excited to welcome he and his wife, Kaci, to Gainesville.”

While in New England, Vinnie Sunseri worked as both a defensive assistant (2020) and with the running backs (2021-23).

He had considerable success coaching up running backs for the Patriots, helping Rhamondre Stevenson become the first New England player to rush for 1,000 yards in six seasons. He also led Damien Harris to a 929-yard, 15-touchdown campaign in 2021.

Vinnie Sunseri is the son of long-time college and NFL assistant coach Sal Sunseri, who has previously worked at Florida as well.

“I’m incredibly excited to join Coach Napier, his outstanding staff and the University of Florida,” Vinnie Sunseri said in the press release. “Coaching in a premier conference like the SEC has been a lifelong dream. I’m ready to work with young, talented and motivated players and help them achieve success on and off the field.”

Florida will be looking to revamp the defense following the departure of defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong for a job at Houston.

The Gators ranked just 75th in total defense, giving up 376.9 yards per game in 2024.