Gators officially name DB coach Deron Wilson to coaching staff
The Florida Gators on Monday officially announced the hiring of Deron Wilson as defensive backs coach. Wilson, formerly the Georgia State defensive coordinator, replaces Will Harris, who left the Gators for a position with the Miami Hurricanes earlier this month.
Wilson was a quality control analyst with the cornerbacks for the Gators in 2022 — Billy Napier’s first season as Florida coach. During his one year in Gainesville, he worked alongside cornerbacks coach Corey Raymond. Although Wilson’s hiring was not announced until Monday, he has been on the job for over a week and already has been actively recruiting.
“It’s great to have Deron back in the building,” Napier said. “His exposure to our system and tree of coaches, to go along with experience in the SEC makes his hiring a no-brainer. His pedigree and relationships in recruiting will be valuable as well. He will help us continue to improve going forward.”
Per FloridaGators.com, “In 2023, Wilson helped the Razorbacks’ secondary make an immediate turnaround in his first season guiding the group. The Razorbacks ranked fourth in the SEC in passing yards allowed per game with 202.8 yards, the program’s best effort since 2011 when they allowed 195.2 yards per game. Arkansas’ 12 interceptions ranked third in the league and the team’s four pick-sixes matched five other teams to lead all of FBS. Individually in 2023, Jaylon Braxton earned Freshman All-SEC accolades after posting 20 tackles and a team-high eight pass breakups.”
Said Wilson about returning to Gainesville: “It’s an honor to rejoin the Florida Gator football staff. I’m inspired by the culture Coach Napier is building and the standard of excellence players and coaches are held to. I will give it my all so we can compete for championships, along with signing and developing elite talent.”
His background …
Wilson was a standout cornerback at Southern Miss from 2010-12 and a Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List honoree before an ankle injury sidelined him for his senior season in 2013. He helped lead the Golden Eagles to consecutive bowl games while starting 39 straight games.
The New Orleans, La. native was a Phil Steele Freshman All-American and earned Conference USA All-Freshman Team and second-team all-conference accolades in 2010. He registered 35 tackles, three interceptions, 12 pass breakups, one blocked punt and a pair of defensive scores.
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As a sophomore, he helped the Golden Eagles to a C-USA title with 75 tackles, four interceptions and a team-best 17 passes defended to earn second-team all-league honors from Phil Steele. He was part of secondary that broke the NCAA record for interceptions returned for touchdowns with eight.
He finished his career with 171 tackles and eight interceptions, including four returned for touchdowns.
The Deron Wilson File
Birthdate: July 31, 1990
College: Southern Miss, 2013 B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies
Coaching Experience
2023-24: Arkansas (Secondary Coach)
2022 Florida (Quality Control/CBs)
2020-21 McNeese (Defensive Coordinator)
2018-19 UTSA (Cornerbacks)
2016-17 UTSA (Graduate Assistant/Defense)
Playing Experience
2010-12: Southern Miss
