UCF Knights Seek New Defensive Backs Coach After Harris Departure

UCF Knights head coach Scott Frost is tasked with finding a new defensive backs coach following the departure of Brandon Harris, who has accepted a similar position at Florida State. This change adds to Frost’s off-season responsibilities, as he also seeks a new offensive line coach. The search for a replacement has already generated interest among potential candidates.

One immediate option for Frost is to promote Travis Fisher, currently serving as a senior defensive analyst for the Knights. Fisher previously held the role of defensive backs coach under Frost during his initial tenure at UCF and during their time together at Nebraska. Notably, Fisher has coached several players who advanced to the NFL, including Clayton Geathers, Shaquil Griffin, and Mike Hughes. After a year at Syracuse as the cornerbacks coach, Fisher returned to UCF this season, further strengthening his ties to the program. His extensive knowledge of the Knights, paired with his coaching experience, makes him a strong internal candidate.

If Frost opts to explore external candidates, Demario Warren, currently the cornerbacks coach at Boise State, stands out. Since joining the Broncos in 2022, Warren has played a crucial role in helping the team secure three consecutive Mountain West titles. This season, Boise State ranked tenth nationally in team passing efficiency defense. Additionally, Frost has a connection at Boise State through defensive coordinator Erik Chinander, who coached under Frost previously, potentially providing insight into Warren’s fit for the Knights.

Warren’s coaching career began at Southern Utah, where he advanced from defensive backs coach to head coach from 2016 to 2021. Despite his impressive record, the question remains whether he would consider relocating to UCF, given his California roots and coaching experience limited to the western United States.

Another potential candidate is Perry Eliano, cornerbacks coach at Toledo. Under his guidance, Toledo finished second in the nation in team passing efficiency defense. While Eliano brings significant experience, Frost may also consider Tim Bennett, the Rockets’ assistant defensive backs coach for the past two seasons. Bennett previously served as Toledo’s director of player development and has worked closely with emerging talents like Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, who is projected as a Day 2 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.

As the search for a new defensive backs coach unfolds, UCF Knights fans are eager to see who will step into this crucial role. The Knights have established a strong reputation for developing talent, and the right hire could further enhance their defensive capabilities moving forward.

For more updates on UCF football, stay tuned for additional news regarding the Knights’ search for an offensive line coach and insights from the 2025 transfer portal.