Former Alabama Football Player Lands First Coaching Job
Roll Call, January 25, 2025
In a major move for the world of collegiate football, former University of Alabama player, James “J.J.” Harris, has officially secured his first coaching job. Harris, who played as a linebacker for the Crimson Tide from 2016 to 2019, will be joining the staff at East Carolina University as their new linebackers coach. The announcement was made public earlier today, sending shockwaves through both the college football world and the Alabama football community.
A Storied Alabama Career
Harris, who hails from Birmingham, Alabama, had a standout career with the Crimson Tide. Known for his hard-hitting style and leadership on the field, he was a pivotal part of Alabama’s defensive unit during some of the program’s most successful years. Throughout his tenure, the team won multiple SEC championships and made several appearances in the College Football Playoff, including a national championship appearance in 2018. Harris’s leadership both on and off the field earned him the admiration of teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
Despite his potential as an NFL prospect, Harris’s professional career was short-lived due to a series of injuries that ultimately led him to retire from playing in 2020. However, his passion for football remained undiminished, and it wasn’t long before Harris began exploring the possibility of a coaching career. His connection to the game and his deep understanding of football strategy made coaching a natural next step.
The East Carolina Opportunity
East Carolina University, a program that has made strides in recent years under head coach Mike Houston, has been looking to elevate its defense. The addition of Harris is seen as a key move in their ongoing efforts to strengthen their coaching staff and improve player development, particularly at the linebacker position. Coach Houston, in his statement, praised Harris for his work ethic and leadership qualities.
“James has all the tools to be a tremendous coach,” Houston said. “His experience at Alabama, coupled with his passion for the game, makes him a perfect fit for our program. I believe he will bring a new energy to our linebackers and will help develop them into players who can make a real impact on the field.”
While East Carolina may not have the same historical pedigree as powerhouse programs like Alabama, the Pirates have been on the rise in recent years. Harris’s reputation and his connection to one of the most successful college football programs in history will no doubt bring a sense of prestige and expectation to the East Carolina defensive staff.
The Road to Coaching
After his retirement from playing, Harris didn’t waste time getting involved in coaching at the youth and high school levels. He worked with local teams and helped mentor young athletes, passing on the knowledge and skills he gained during his time at Alabama. His ability to connect with players and his comprehensive understanding of defensive schemes quickly caught the attention of college coaching staffs.
As Harris’s reputation grew, it was only a matter of time before he was considered for a role at the collegiate level. East Carolina made the bold decision to offer him a position, and after a thorough interview process, the deal was sealed. Harris’s appointment is seen by many as a testament to his hard work and determination, as well as the growing trend of former elite players transitioning into successful coaching careers.
Reaction from the Alabama Community
The announcement has been met with overwhelming support from the Alabama football community. Former teammates, coaches, and fans took to social media to congratulate Harris on his new role. Alabama head coach Nick Saban, who had always been a mentor to Harris, offered his own words of encouragement.
“J.J. is one of the hardest-working and most dedicated individuals I’ve had the privilege of coaching,” Saban said in a statement. “He has all the qualities that make a great coach: leadership, discipline, and an unrelenting drive to succeed. I’m excited to see him take this next step in his career and know that he will do great things at East Carolina.”
Many former teammates also expressed their excitement for Harris’s new journey, with standout players like Jerry Jeudy, Tua Tagovailoa, and DeVonta Smith all posting messages of support online. The sense of camaraderie and family that is so deeply embedded in the Alabama football program was clearly evident in the outpouring of love and encouragement. What’s Next for Harris
As he steps into his new role, Harris will face the challenge of adapting to the demands of coaching at the college level. He will need to quickly adjust to the strategic side of coaching, including game planning, recruiting, and player development. But with his wealth of experience and his connection to some of the best minds in college football, Harris is poised to make a significant impact at East Carolina.
For Harris, this new role marks the beginning of what many expect to be a promising coaching career. In interviews leading up to his hiring, Harris has expressed excitement about the opportunity to mold young athletes and share the lessons he learned during his time at Alabama.
I’m grateful for this opportunity to coach and give back to the game that has given me so much,” Harris said in a statement. “I’m excited to help these young men reach their full potential and continue to grow as athletes and as individuals. I look forward to being part of something special at East Carolina.”
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Harris as he embarks on his coaching career. If his playing days were any indication, this former Alabama star is destined for success in his new role. With the backing of his former coaches, teammates, and the East Carolina program, Harris is set to leave a lasting mark on the world of college football coaching.
