In a stunning yet deeply sentimental move, 2025 UFL Coach of the Year and reigning UFL Champion Shannon Harris is returning to his roots, heading back to Tennessee State University as the new offensive coordinator under head coach Reggie Barlow. The announcement, made official early Wednesday morning, sent ripples across both professional and collegiate football landscapes. After a sensational season leading the Birmingham Stallions to a UFL title and earning the highest coaching honor in the league, Harris is turning down continued success at the professional level to help resurrect and redefine the legacy of the Tigers, the program where his own football story first gained national attention. For Tennessee State, this hire is more than just strategic — it’s poetic. For Harris, it’s not just a job — it’s a homecoming fueled by purpose.
Harris’ journey to this pinnacle moment has been marked by determination, tactical brilliance, and an unwavering loyalty to his roots. Born and raised in Nashville, just miles from Tennessee State’s historic campus, Harris grew up immersed in the tradition of HBCU excellence. His father, a TSU alum and former lineman for the Tigers in the 1980s, instilled in Shannon a deep pride in the program and a fierce commitment to academic and athletic excellence. As a player, Harris lit up the OVC as TSU’s quarterback in the early 2000s, setting multiple single-season records for passing yards and touchdowns, and cementing himself as one of the program’s most electrifying talents. Though he went undrafted in the NFL, he found opportunities in the CFL and later the Arena League, where he gained invaluable experience as both a player and a student of the game. It wasn’t long before coaching came calling.
After paying his dues as a quarterbacks coach at a series of mid-major schools, Harris eventually landed a job in the UFL, a league that in recent years has become a proving ground for some of the brightest coaching minds in the country. As the head coach of the Birmingham Stallions, Harris took over a team with potential but limited expectations and turned it into a juggernaut. In the 2025 UFL season, the Stallions posted a league-best 11-1 regular-season record, followed by a dominant playoff run that culminated in a 35-17 victory over the Michigan Panthers in the UFL Championship Game. His offense was hailed as innovative and relentless, blending pro-style concepts with spread principles and incorporating pre-snap motion to a near-scientific degree. The result was a balanced attack that ranked first in scoring, second in passing yards, and third in total offense. His quarterback, Malik Daniels, went on to win UFL MVP, and multiple assistants on his staff were quickly scooped up for bigger roles elsewhere.
Despite widespread speculation that Harris would either return to the Stallions or pursue an NFL opportunity — offers he reportedly did receive — the 43-year-old surprised the football world by accepting the offensive coordinator position at Tennessee State. For many, it seemed a step backward, a detour from the momentum of a rising professional coaching career. But for Harris, the decision was deeply personal. Sources close to the coach say that a combination of unfinished business, emotional ties, and a desire to uplift his community all played major roles in his decision.
Tennessee State’s football program has experienced both highs and lows over the past decade, but the arrival of Reggie Barlow as head coach had already signaled a renewed sense of optimism. Barlow, a former NFL wide receiver and accomplished coach himself, led Alabama State to prominence before taking over TSU in 2024. Known for his discipline, player development, and eye for coaching talent, Barlow is seen as the ideal leader to restore TSU’s standing as a powerhouse in the HBCU ranks. With Harris now joining the staff, the offensive side of the ball is poised for a revolution.
TSU’s offense last year struggled to find rhythm, ranking near the bottom in most major categories in the Ohio Valley Conference. The Tigers rotated through three quarterbacks during the season and often relied too heavily on their defense to keep games close. But Harris brings with him a reputation for quarterback development, offensive ingenuity, and a deep understanding of how to tailor a system to the strengths of his personnel. Already, TSU fans are buzzing about what Harris’ return could mean for the future of the program, particularly in recruiting. His success at the UFL level has elevated his profile nationally, and his ties to the school, the city, and the culture of HBCU football give him credibility that few can match.
In a statement released by the university, Harris said, “Coming back to Tennessee State feels like destiny. This program helped shape me not just as a player, but as a man. I’ve always dreamed of returning here in a meaningful way, and I believe we have all the pieces to build something special. Coach Barlow is someone I’ve admired for years, and I’m excited to work alongside him to help restore the roar to TSU football.” His message was met with overwhelming support from alumni, fans, and current players alike.
Reggie Barlow, for his part, didn’t hide his excitement either. “Shannon is one of the brightest minds in football, period,” Barlow said at a press conference. “To have a guy with his pedigree, who also bleeds TSU blue, come back and invest his time and energy here — it’s a massive win for our program. He knows what this place means. He knows what it takes to win. And he knows how to reach these young men in a way that’s going to elevate all of us.”
While the season is still weeks away, Harris has already begun installing the framework of his offense during summer workouts. Early reports suggest that sophomore quarterback Jalen Morris has taken huge strides under Harris’ guidance, with coaches noting improved footwork, quicker reads, and a noticeable boost in confidence. The wide receiver room, which includes returning standout Ahmad Wells and JUCO transfer Keon Baker, has also shown signs of being revitalized. Harris’ schemes are notoriously challenging to learn at first but ultimately rewarding once mastered. Players have remarked on the increased energy and focus in offensive meetings, and several have said they feel like they’re “finally being unleashed.”
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Harris brings a sense of accountability and mentorship that resonates with players. Known for his “player-first” approach, he places a premium on leadership development, film study, and attention to detail. During his time with the Stallions, he instituted a leadership council composed of team captains who helped shape practice schedules, travel decisions, and even locker room culture. While he’s not yet implementing the same system at TSU, insiders say that similar ideas are already being discussed.
