The D.C. Defenders are expected to name quarterbacks coach Shannon Harris the interim coach on Saturday after former head coach Reggie Barlow stepped down to become the new head coach at Tennessee State according to Pro Football Newsroom reporter James Larsen and Washington Post reporter Jake Russell.
Shannon Harris is 44 years old and is from Wiggins, Mississippi. He spent the last two seasons as D.C.’s quarterback coach with Jordan Ta’amu at the helm.
In 2023, Ta’amu completed 142 of 227 passes (62.6%) for 1,878 yards, 14 touchdowns, three interceptions, 67 carries for 301 yards, and three touchdowns leading the Defenders to the XFL Championship game against the Arlington Renegades. Ta’amu was named XFL Offensive Player of the Year. In 2024, Ta’amu completed 161 of 280 passes (57.5%) for 1,845 yards, 15 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 43 carries for 203 yards, and one touchdown in 10 games.
Harris began his coaching career at Tennessee State as a quarterbacks coach, tight ends coach, and receivers coach from 2004 to 2009. After Tennessee State, Harris went to Hampton University as the quarterbacks coach and assisted with recruiting, film breakdown, and academics. Next, Harris left Hampton University to become the quarterbacks coach and receivers coach at Alabama State from 2011 to 2014.
Then, Harris went to Alcorn State as a wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator from 2015-17. During his time there, the Braves won three consecutive SWAC East Division championships and three SWAC Championship appearances. Alcorn State made the inaugural Celebrations Bowl in 2015 but lost to North Carolina A&T. In his final season, Alcorn State led the SWAC in both total offense with 461.3 yards per game and first downs with 241.
Harris returned to Tennessee State in 2018 as an offensive analyst followed by being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2019. In 2019, Tennessee State averaged 26.2 points per game, 139.4 rushing yards per game, 260.7 passing yards per game, 400.1 total yards per game, 34 touchdowns, and allowed 21 sacks finishing 3-9 for the season.
Harris left Tennessee State after the 2019 season to become the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Virginia State University. In 2021, Virginia State averaged 22.89 points per game, 114 rushing yards per game, 192.11 passing yards per game, 306.1 total yards per game, 27 touchdowns, and allowed 20 sacks finishing 3-6 for the season.
Collegiately, Harris played three seasons at Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College (1998-00), where he was selected to the All-Mississippi South team and played in the Mississippi Junior College All-Star game. Then, he transferred to Tennessee State (2001-02) setting a school record with 3,137 total yards as a senior. Harris played professional football for the Bossier City Battle Wings of the Arena Football II league in 2003.
