Shannon Harris will be a two-way coach.
In a historic move that will impact both the college and professional football ranks, Harris, the offensive coordinator at Tennessee State, was officially named head coach of the DC Defenders.
Harris’ appointment marks a rare and notable feat.
He will simultaneously serve as Tennessee State’s co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach while leading the DC Defenders, a distinction seldom seen at any level of the sport.
The announcement was made fewer than two weeks after Harris was officially introduced by the Tennessee State Tigers and follows his remarkable interim stint guiding the Defenders to their first-ever UFL Championship.
Officially Official.
Shannon Harris has been named Head Coach for the DC Defenders! pic.twitter.com/pk9AohTzE9
— D.C. Defenders (@XFLDefenders) July 23, 2025
Harris was thrust into the top spot with the Defenders this spring after former head coach Reggie Barlow departed to take the Tennessee State head job days before the season began.
Under immense pressure, Harris steadied the franchise, guiding DC to a 6-4 regular season record before orchestrating a dominant playoff run. The Defenders toppled the St. Louis Battlehawks in the XFL Conference Championship and overpowered the Michigan Panthers 58-34 in the 2025 UFL title game.
Harris was subsequently awarded the 2025 UFL Buddy Teevens Coach of the Year Award, distinguishing himself as the first head coach in U.S. pro football history who is also an HBCU alumnus to win a league championship title.
“This season, he kept his team united and motivated, guiding them to the 2025 UFL Championship and finishing as the league’s top team. We’re excited to see Shannon back on the sidelines in 2026 as DC begins its title defense,” said UFL President and CEO Russ Brandon.
Juggling College and Pro Demands
Despite speculation that Harris would forgo his pro duties for his new college opportunity, the 44-year-old coach confirmed his commitment to both programs. He will continue shaping Tennessee State’s offense while returning to the nation’s capital next spring to defend DC’s UFL crown.
