Florida Hires Former Bama Star Vinnie Sunseri as Co-DC

The University of Florida is hiring of Vinnie Sunseri as co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach, marking a swift transition in his coaching career. This move comes shortly after Sunseri’s brief stint at Jacksonville State, where he had recently accepted the defensive coordinator position under Charles Kelly.

Sunseri brings an impressive football pedigree to the Gators. As a player, he was part of Nick Saban’s dominant Alabama teams, contributing to national championship victories in 2011 and 2012. His coaching journey began at his alma mater, serving as a graduate assistant at Alabama in 2019 alongside Charles Kelly, who was then the assistant defensive coordinator and safeties coach.

Most recently, Sunseri demonstrated his coaching prowess at the University of Washington, where he served as safeties coach. Under his guidance, the Huskies achieved remarkable defensive statistics, ranking fifth nationally in passing yards allowed per game (166.8) and eighth in pass efficiency defense (110.51). His tenure concluded with the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl, where his defense faced recent Florida transfer quarterback Harrison Bailey.

Before his time in Seattle, Sunseri spent four productive seasons with the New England Patriots under Bill Belichick. Initially joining as a defensive assistant in 2020, he transitioned to running backs coach for three seasons. His impact was notably felt in 2022 when he helped Rhamondre Stevenson achieve a significant milestone – becoming the first Patriot in six years to rush for 1,000 yards in a season.

Football runs in the Sunseri family. His father, Sal Sunseri, previously served as Florida’s defensive line coach in 2018 under Dan Mullen, and is well-known for his tenure on Nick Saban’s Alabama staff.

David Waters discusses where Sunseri can help Florida’s defense the most.