Shannon Harris has formally been named the pinnacle coach of the DC Defenders, the group introduced Wednesday. Harris led the Defenders to the 2025 UFL Championship whereas serving as interim head coach and can now return to guide the franchise in 2026. The information comes only one week after he was launched as the brand new offensive coordinator at Tennessee State College, a Nashville, TN HBCU.
A Shock Transfer After Tennessee State Hiring
After accepting the Tennessee State offensive coordinator place final week, many assumed Harris was leaving the UFL. However right now’s announcement confirmed that he’ll stick with the DC Defenders, managing twin teaching tasks throughout the faculty and professional ranges.
“Shannon Harris isn’t only a exceptional UFL story—he’s one of the crucial inspiring figures in all of sports activities this 12 months,” stated UFL President and CEO Russ Brandon. “He stored his group united and motivated, guiding them to the 2025 UFL Championship and ending because the league’s high group. We’re excited to see Shannon again on the sidelines in 2026 as DC begins its title protection.”
From Interim to Champion
Harris was promoted to interim head coach of the Defenders on March 23, 2025, after former head coach and HBCU legend Reggie Barlow left to take over the Tennessee State program. With simply days to organize, Harris took cost and rapidly proved himself as a pacesetter.
The Defenders went 6-4 within the common season, improved from their 4-6 report in 2024. Within the playoffs, DC defeated the St. Louis Battlehawks 36-18 within the XFL Convention Championship, then dominated the Michigan Panthers 58-34 within the UFL Championship Sport.
“Taking on firstly of the season is difficult, however Shannon created continuity with the group tradition whereas placing his personal mark on the Defenders,” stated UFL EVP of Soccer Operations Daryl Johnston. “His promotion to move coach is effectively deserved.”
Championship Season Highlights
Harris led the Defenders to a quick begin with a Week One victory over the defending champion Birmingham Stallions. The 18-11 win featured a franchise-high eight sacks. DC went 4-1 via the primary 5 video games, together with wins over Memphis, St. Louis, and Arlington.
Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu thrived beneath Harris. By means of 10 video games, Ta’amu led the UFL in passing touchdowns (17) and ranked second in passing yards (2,294) and whole yards (2,333). He was named MVP of the UFL Championship Sport after throwing for 390 yards and 5 whole touchdowns.
DC’s protection additionally excelled:
First in tackles for loss (59)
Tied for first in takeaways (17)
High 3 in compelled fumbles (9), sacks (22), and interceptions (7)
Harris’ Assertion and What Comes Subsequent
“I’m past excited for this chance to guide the DC Defenders, particularly our gamers, coaches and assist employees,” stated Harris. “The DC neighborhood has the very best followers in all sports activities, and I look ahead to returning to the sector subsequent spring after we start our quest for a second straight title.”
As of now, Harris has not commented publicly on how he plans to steadiness his duties as each the DC Defenders head coach and Tennessee State offensive coordinator.
What’s clear is that Harris has turn into one of the crucial compelling teaching figures in soccer—at each the skilled and HBCU stage.
