Just two months after joining UCF as cornerbacks coach, Will Johnson has accepted a position as a defensive assistant with the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL. The Vikings confirmed his hiring earlier today, marking a swift transition in Johnson’s coaching career. This move highlights a significant Minnesota Vikings coaching hire this off-season.
Coaching Experience Leading Up to the Vikings Opportunity
Before his brief tenure at UCF, Johnson spent two seasons coaching cornerbacks at North Dakota State, where he contributed to the development of several defensive backs. Prior to that, he served as a graduate assistant for four years working under UCF defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, with stints at Oklahoma from 2020 to 2021 and USC from 2022 to 2023. This varied background across collegiate programs helped prepare Johnson for his NFL coaching debut.
Impact at UCF and Recruitment Connections
During his short time with the Knights, Johnson influenced recruiting efforts through the transfer portal, helping UCF secure cornerback Jailen Duffie. Duffie, a former North Dakota State player under Johnson, earned second-team All-MVFC honors after starting 12 games last season and was part of the Bison’s national championship winning squad the year before. This transfer reflects Johnson’s ability to foster valuable player relationships across programs.
UCF’s Response and Next Steps for the Coaching Staff
Head coach Scott Frost expressed confidence in Johnson’s abilities earlier this year, stating,
“I don’t think UCF should ever be afraid to find coaches that are kind of up-and-comers,”
and continued,
“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.”
With Johnson’s departure, Frost is expected to explore internal options, such as senior defensive analyst Travis Fisher—who has extensive defensive backs coaching experience at Syracuse, Nebraska, and previously at UCF—to fill the open cornerbacks coach position.
Upcoming Preparations for UCF Football
The Knights are gearing up for spring practice scheduled to begin in late March, aiming to stabilize their coaching staff and prepare players for the season ahead. Johnson’s quick move to the Minnesota Vikings underscores the fluid nature of coaching careers and the opportunities emerging within professional football.
