Coach Cleveland “Chick” Harris: A NC Football Giant

 

By: Ms. Jheri Worldwide

Staff Writer

Cleveland “Chick” Harris, a name that would later echo through the annals of American football, began his life in the heart of Durham, North Carolina, in 1945. Born to teenage parents, Chick’s early years were deeply rooted in the close-knit community near downtown Durham. He resided with his mother and aunt, a homeowner, which was a notable achievement for Black women at the time. His mother’s work at Duke Hospital and the prevalence of the tobacco industry among his neighbors painted a vivid picture of Durham’s working-class landscape during that era.

From a young age, Chick exhibited a passion for sports and a dedication to community involvement as a Boy Scout, memories of which he would later recount with fondness. As Chick matured, the pursuit of greater opportunity led him and his mother to California. It was there that his athletic talents truly began to blossom. Excelling in both track and football, it became increasingly clear that the gridiron was where Chick was destined to make his mark, and it became the path to a groundbreaking career.

Harris played defensive back and receiver at Long Beach City College and Northern Arizona University, and he is in the hall of fame of both schools. NBC Sports, Pro Football Talk shared, “Harris began his coaching career in the college ranks at Colorado State in 1970 before going to Long Beach State and then the University of Washington. He was on the staff of two of the Huskies’ Rose Bowl teams. Chuck Knox gave Harris his break, hiring him at Buffalo. Harris would follow Knox over 14 seasons, going to the Seahawks and Rams after the Bills. He served one season as the Rams’ offensive coordinator.”

A football coach in the National Football League (NFL) from 1981 to 2013, finishing his career as the running backs coach of the Houston Texans. Over his thirty-three years of coaching his teams compiled a cumulative win/loss record of 234-286-0.

In addition to being an exceptional son, father, and family man Chick Harris was a man of principle. He was focused on opening doors for others, beginning in 1995, Harris and others advocated for more black coaches in the NFL. By standing up and talking with the commissioner about this issue Harris forced the conversation to the forefront making sure to help the NFL create opportunities he asserted in his Story Corps interview with daughter Tarana, “We are here to help the NFL, not hurt the NFL.” Later in 2003, the NFL adopted the Rooney Rule which was a direct result of these conversations advancing the cause of holding a place at the table for black men to coach and lead NFL teams. 

Harris is survived by his daughters Tarana and Kara, son Tyler, and grandchildren Marley, Mila, Kinga, and Andrzej Cleveland.

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