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Youngest SEC Coach Promoted at Florida
25 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Dae'One Wilkins, 25, is Florida's new nickelbacks coach.
- He previously coached defensive backs at Florida as a QC assistant.
- Wilkins helped Furman's defense achieve numerous top rankings in 2023.
The Florida Gators are promoting Dae'One Wilkins to the role of nickelbacks coach. At 25 years old, Wilkins is noted as one of the youngest position coaches within the Southeastern Conference. His prior experience with the Gators involved working as a quality control assistant for the defensive backs during the 2025 season.
Before joining Florida, Wilkins spent time with the Kentucky Wildcats, working under current defensive coordinator Brad White. He also had a stint as a defensive assistant and nickels coach at his alma mater, Furman, in 2023. This period saw Furman achieve significant success, including a Southern Championship and a quarterfinal appearance in the FCS Playoffs.
Wilkins played a key role in Furman's highly effective defense in 2023, which led the SoCon in multiple statistical categories, including rushing defense and total defense. His coaching impact was evident with nickel back Cally Chizik earning All-America honors.
