Aaron Wilkins, a member of the Liberty University defensive staff for the past five seasons, joined the Northern Illinois University football coaching staff as cornerbacks coach in February 2019.
Wilkins arrived at NIU after five total seasons at Liberty, where he advanced from a volunteer coach working with the Flames’ special teams, to a defensive quality control position (2015-16), to defensive line coach and defensive recruiting coordinator (2017) to coaching defensive backs (2018) in addition to his recruiting duties. Wilkins helped Liberty capture the program's eighth Big South title in 2016 and he was a part of Liberty's staff that led the Flames to a thrilling 48-45 win over Baylor to open the 2017 season. During his time at the school, Liberty transitioned from FCS to FBS.
Wilkins came to Liberty from his native California, after three seasons (2011-13) on the defensive staff at Reedley College, where he also played junior college football. He coached inside linebackers in 2011 at Reedley, worked with the secondary in 2012 and 2013, and served as recruiting and placement coordinator in 2013. He coached four all-conference defensive backs and all four of his players transferred to FBS programs.
A native of Oakhurst, Calif., Wilkins began his coaching career in the high school ranks. He spent four seasons at Firebaugh High School in Firebaugh, Calif. in a variety of roles, including defensive coordinator and secondary coach, head women’s basketball and baseball coach, men’s basketball assistant coach and sprints and jump coach for the track & field team.
Wilkins also worked at his high school alma mater, Yosemite High School, in 2012. He served as defensive coordinator and secondary coach for both the Badgers’ varsity and junior varsity teams.
A junior college All-American safety at Reedley, Wilkins went on to play safety at the University of San Diego in 2006. He transferred to Fresno State where he earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education and exercise physiology. He and his wife, Carissa, have a daughter, Abigail.
