Chris Harris (safety)

Chris Harris (born August 6, 1982) is an American football coach and former safety who is the defensive pass game coordinator and cornerbacks coach for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft after playing college football for the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

For the active football cornerback, see Chris Harris Jr.
Chris Harris
refer to caption
Harris with the Washington Commanders in 2022
Tennessee Titans
Position:Defensive pass game coordinator / cornerbacks
Personal information
Born: (1982-08-06) August 6, 1982
Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S.
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:211 lb (96 kg)
Career information
High school:J. A. Fair (Little Rock)
College:Louisiana-Monroe (2001–2004)
NFL Draft:2005 / Round: 6 / Pick: 181
Career history
As a player:
As a coach:
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Tackles:439
Sacks:1
Forced fumbles:13
Fumble recoveries:8
Interceptions:16
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Harris also played with the Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions, and Jacksonville Jaguars, and has coached with the Bears, San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers, and Washington Commanders.

College career

Harris attended college at Louisiana-Monroe. After redshirting the 2000 season, he was a four-year starter from 2001 to 2004.

Professional career

Chicago Bears

Harris was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round (181st overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft.[1] He won the starting role at free safety early during his rookie season. In the 2006 preseason, Harris made a statement to a fan, Bryan Lange, that if the Bears made the Super Bowl he would give him a ticket. In January, his statement caused a minor controversy when the Bears did in fact qualify for Super Bowl XLI. Lange stood outside of Bears team headquarters holding a sign saying "Chris Harris, you promised." Harris claimed that he was joking and would not be able to fulfill the request due to family ticket obligations. Ticket brokerage firm sitclose.com later gave Lange a ticket, quieting the controversy. Harris intercepted a pass from Colts quarterback Peyton Manning in the first quarter of the game; however, the Bears would go on to lose the game 29–17.[2]

Carolina Panthers

Harris was traded to the Carolina Panthers on August 2, 2007, for a 2008 5th round draft pick. Harris started 15 games in 2007 finishing with 101 tackles, and also setting a team record as he led the league with eight forced fumbles.

In 2008, the Panthers rewarded Harris with a four-year contract extension. He finished the 2008 season with 70 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 interception.

Chicago Bears (second stint)

On April 27, 2010, Harris was dealt back to the Bears in exchange for linebacker Jamar Williams. In his first season back in Chicago, Harris recorded 70 tackles and a career-high five interceptions that he returned for 69 yards. In week 12, he was the first player of the season to intercept a Michael Vick pass as he picked off Vick in Chicago's end zone to help the Bears beat the Eagles 31–26. Following his performance during the 2010 season, Harris received his first All-Pro-selection. On October 27, 2011, Harris was released by the Bears.

Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions claimed him off waivers on October 28, 2011.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Harris was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 15, 2012. He was later released on November 28.[3]

On January 26, 2013, Harris announced his retirement.[4]

Coaching career

Chicago Bears

On January 28, 2013, Harris was hired by the Bears as a defensive quality control coach.[5] He was not retained by new Bears head coach John Fox in 2015.[6]

San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers

Harris joined the San Diego Chargers as their assistant defensive backs coach in 2016.[7]

Washington Football Team / Commanders

Harris joined the Washington Football Team as their defensive backs coach in 2020.[8]

Tennessee Titans

In 2023, Harris joined the Tennessee Titans as their defensive pass game coordinator and cornerbacks coach.[9]

References
  1. "2005 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved 2023-05-07.
  2. "'It's on tape': Fan demands Bears player fulfill ticket vow". Chicago Sun-Times. 2005-01-25. Archived from the original on 2007-02-06. Retrieved 2010-05-10.
  3. "Jaguars add four players to 53-man roster; Parmele & Middleton to IR". Archived from the original on 2016-03-05. Retrieved 2012-12-13.
  4. Chris Harris' tweet, announcing his own retirement
  5. Chris Harris hired as defensive quality control coach.
  6. Wright, Michael C. (February 10, 2015). "Chris Harris won't be back with Bears in 2015". ESPN. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
  7. Wilson, Aaron (23 January 2016). "Chargers hire Chris Harris as assistant secondary coach". National Football Post. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  8. "Redskins Announce Coaching Staff". Redskins.com. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
  9. Wyatt, Jim. "Titans Elevate Tim Kelly to Offensive Coordinator While Making Several New Additions, and Changes". Tennessee Titans. Retrieved 7 February 2023.
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