New Miami Hurricanes safeties coach Will Harris issued a goodbye statement to Florida on Friday. Harris began by thanking Florida head coach Billy Napier and athletic director Scott Stricklin for allowing him to coach with the Gators. Florida won its final four games in 2024 after starting 4-5.
Harris referred to Florida winning its last four games as "one hell of a finish." The next comment from Harris seems to indicate the decision to leave was not his, "With that being said, I understand business is business, and you have to do what you believe is best for the University of Florida’s football program. I appreciate you."
There is no indication or official announcement that Harris was let go. Mario Cristobal frequently allows Miami assistant coaches who are no longer wanted to find employment elsewhere on their own without being fired publically. The recent exception was defensive coordinator Lance Guidry.
Miami announced Guidry was relieved of his position as defensive coordinator on New Year's Eve. Harris stated he appreciated Stricklin for "providing an open door policy and your transparency and willingness to listen." Harris thanked Florida fans and acknowledged whether they love or hate him for leaving that it is business.
First and foremost, I would like to thank Billy Napier and Scott Stricklin for giving me the opportunity to coach at The University of Florida. Billy - As they say, the ones who bleed together are brothers. We went through the trenches last year and pulled out one hell of a…
— Will Harris (@CoachWillHarris) February 15, 2025
Harris closed by stating nothing could break the bonds he formed with his players. He added, "I am excited and blessed to step forward into this next opportunity" with Miami. Harris will be paired as a Miami secondary coach with Zac Etheridge, who was hired recently from Houston.
Etheridge and Harris will work with what should be an upgraded Miami secondary. Miami signed four blue-chip defensive backs and added another quartet of transfers in the secondary. The Hurricanes were 57th nationally in 2024, allowing 214.4 passing yards per game. A bigger problem was allowing explosive pass plays.
Miami was 99th nationally in 2024, allowing 43 completions of 20 yards or more - that is over three per game. Etheridge and Harris have the job to improve the Miami pass defense, particularly limiting explosive completions. Harris also provides Miami with an elite recruiter in his limited time working at an FBS program.