Former NFL and Oklahoma corner Julian Wilson was named as defensive backs coach in January 2022. Wilson spent his previous two years as a graduate assistant on the staff at Texas Tech, where he worked primarily with the Red Raider secondary. 
 
"I'm thankful to be able to join Coach Patterson's staff in Abilene. I'm very familiar with his philosophies and core values, which made it an easy decision to come here," Wilson said. "ACU is a prestigious school that I've heard many great things about, so I'm excited and ready to get to work." 

In his first season coaching at Texas Tech, Wilson helped mentor Zech McPhearson into an All-Big 12 cornerback and an NFL Draft selection. 
 
More recently, the Red Raiders were tied for the lead league in pick-sixes in 2021 while claiming two of the top three individuals in the Big 12 in passes defended. Texas Tech totaled five All-Conference selections in Wilson's two years, including three of the conference's top defensive backs in production in 2021. 

"Julian has been with me the past two years, and he is an energetic, passionate young coach," Patterson said. "He does an outstanding job developing young men on and off the field, and we are excited to have im join the ACU Wildcat family." 

The Oklahoma City native played in 48 games during his collegiate career at OU, totaling 99 tackles over his four seasons to go along with four interceptions and 15 pass breakups. He made 20 of his 22 career starts over his final two seasons as a Sooner, and he earned his degree in Human Relations in 2014.
 
Wilson, a four-time Academic All-Conference selection, spent time with the Baltimore Ravens, Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL before later joining the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League.