This paper suggests a nature-inspired optimization technique, the Cheetah Optimizer (CO), to achieve optimal Directional Overcurrent Relays (DOCRs) coordination. The main contribution of this work is proposing a recent effective optimization technique (CO) for optimal coordination of DOCRs to clear the faults in the power system as soon as possible. CO strategy can solve nonlinear, non-convex complex coordination problems to achieve a fast and selective protection system. CO has advanced features overcoming other strategies, such as fast convergence, lower computational time, moderate exploration and exploitation modes, and attaining the optimal solution, avoiding stuck in local optima. Three test systems were used in this work. The standard IEEE-3, IEEE-9, and IEEE-30 bus test systems were used to confirm the performance of the proposed technique. The results yielded by the proposed algorithm were compared with other recently established counterparts, such as the Chimp Optimization Algorithm (ChOA), Osprey Optimization Algorithm (OOA), Coati Optimization Algorithm (COA), Seagull Optimization Algorithm (SOA), and Pelican Optimization Algorithm (POA). The proposed technique's reliability, stability, and consistency were recognized by inclusive statistical analysis. The proposed approach offered high-quality and robust solutions with lower computational processing times. In addition, it has a remarkable convergence, giving a benefit over adaptive coordination tendency by improving monitoring, communication, and grid control.