UNCP Athletics

A seasoned and results-driven coach with a proven track record at both the collegiate and high school levels, Bryan Harris enters his third season at UNC Pembroke in 2025-26 as the running backs coach, and his fifth overall working alongside head coach Mark Hall. With a strong reputation for developing elite talent, building explosive offenses, and elevating program performance, Harris continues to be a key asset in the Braves’ success.

Before joining UNCP, Harris spent two highly productive seasons (2021–22) in the same role at Chowan University, where he helped shape one of the most dynamic offenses in NCAA Division II. His coaching résumé also includes impactful stops at several top high school programs in Florida, where he served in both coordinator and position coach roles.

Harris made an immediate difference in Pembroke, taking over a backfield that saw dramatic improvement in just one season. In 2023, his unit averaged 220 rushing yards per game—an increase of 100 yards per game over the previous season. True freshman Sincere Baines led the nation in yards per carry (7.6), broke the school’s single-season record, and earned MEC Offensive Freshman of the Year honors after totaling 12 touchdowns (11 rushing). As a team, the Braves averaged 6.4 yards per carry and scored 28 rushing touchdowns, showcasing Harris’s ability to produce big-play threats and consistent ground dominance.

At Chowan, Harris was a driving force behind the Hawks’ offensive explosion. Over two seasons, he mentored more than 10 all-conference performers and helped lead the program to seven wins in 2021, powered by the 25th-ranked total offense in the nation (432.2 yards/game). In 2022, the Hawks averaged 38.5 points per game—12th in Division II—and captured the CIAA North Division championship, earning a berth in the conference title game.

Prior to his return to the college ranks, Harris made his mark in Florida high school football. As the offensive coordinator at Hillsborough High School (2018–19), he guided an offense that averaged over 300 yards and 33.4 points per game, leading the Terriers to 13 wins over two seasons, including a district title in 2019. His development of quarterback talent included UNCP 2023 starter Caleb Pierce, who threw for more than 1,600 yards as a sophomore under Harris’s direction.

In 2017, Harris served as quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator at King High School (Tampa), and previously held the role of running backs coach and co-offensive coordinator at Gainesville High School (2015–16), where he worked under former Florida Gators great Shane Matthews.
 
A native of Gainesville, Florida, Harris was a four-year letterwinner at Chowan University (2008–12), where he played tight end and recorded 17 receptions for 177 yards and two touchdowns over 32 games. He played under then-assistant coach Mark Hall.

Respected for his energy, strategic mindset, and commitment to player development, Bryan Harris brings a wealth of experience, competitive edge, and a championship mentality to every program he joins.

Harris earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Chowan University in 2013 and completed his graduate studies in organizational leadership at Chowan in 2022.

Harris and his wife, Shavern, are the proud parents of two children: Braylin and Anthony.