ETTRICK, VA – As the Virginia State University football team prepares for its upcoming spring game on April 9, the team is now under the leadership of interim head coach Shannon Harris.
Associate VP for Intercollegiate Athletics Peggy Davis named Harris interim head football coach on Thursday, in lieu of the departure of head coach Reggie Barlow ending his sixth season leading the Trojans.
“I feel honored. It is definitely a blessing for sure,” said Harris when asked how he feels about being named VSU’s interim coach. “One thing for me is to continue the teaching and the guidance from what Coach Barlow has brought here for the program.”
“We are proud to have Coach Harris fulfill this role as we move through the head coach search process,” said Davis. “Everyone in the program has tremendous respect for Shannon, and feels he is the best man for the job.”
Coach Harris arrived at VSU in 2021 to serve as the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach. After a 3-6 overall record for the 2021 season, Harris has an academic and athletic focus for the team.
Also read: Report: Virginia State head coach Reggie Barlow hired by XFL
“We want to make sure that we [the coaching staff] continue to lead our young men in the right direction from an academic standpoint first, and continue to put a good product on the football field going forward.”
Despite the new title and responsibilities, Coach Harris does not feel any pressure leading the Trojans just days before the April 9 Spring Game.
“We have already been practicing, so the guidelines are there,” said Harris. “Everything is already in place from what coach [Barlow] had already been putting together over the years; so we are on course. The guys have been working and practicing hard.”
Courtesy: VSU Athletics
