Terrence Harris returns to Albany State University as Defensive Backs Coach effective April 20, 2026, bringing a strong blend of playing experience, player development expertise, and defensive leadership to the program.
Harris joins the staff following a successful coaching run at Clark Atlanta University, where he made an immediate impact across multiple roles. Most recently serving as the team’s safeties coach during the 2025 season, he helped guide a secondary that ranked 23rd in NCAA Division II in passing yards allowed. His work emphasized advanced coverage schemes, disciplined technique, and detailed film preparation, resulting in improved communication and execution on the back end of the defense.
In 2024, Harris transitioned to running backs coach, where he contributed to one of the most explosive offenses in the conference. Clark Atlanta finished 1st in the SIAC in total offense and 12th nationally in Division II, while also earning a berth as SIAC Championship runner-up. His approach focused on fundamentals, including footwork, vision, and ball security, helping create a balanced and efficient run game.
During the 2023 season, Harris showcased his leadership and adaptability, resulting in a mid-season promotion from safeties coach to Assistant Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach. In this new role, he played a crucial part in crafting weekly game plans, implementing coverage adjustments, and enhancing situational defense. His guidance was instrumental in helping a defensive back earn Second-Team All-Conference honors, underscoring Harris’s talent for developing athletes and elevating their performance.
Beyond his coaching responsibilities, Harris has made a significant impact on the program as a whole, mentoring over 50 student-athletes in academics, character development, and athletic performance. He has also taken charge of practice operations, film sessions, and study halls, while actively contributing to recruitment efforts and fostering strong relationships with both academic and athletic support staff.
As a player, Harris had a standout collegiate career at Clark Atlanta University from 2018 to 2022, where he was a two-time First Team All-SIAC selection and recognized as one of the top safeties in Division II. His 2019 season was particularly remarkable, recording 92 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, four fumble recoveries, and a defensive touchdown, placing him among the national leaders in multiple categories. He followed that with another strong performance in his senior year in 2022, totaling 90 tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, and an interception, earning SIAC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Harris began his collegiate career at Albany State University, where he contributed as a defensive back from 2016 to 2017, gaining valuable experience that now brings him full circle back to the program.
A graduate of Albany State University, Harris earned his Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in May 2021. He has also remained active in youth and prospect development through various camps at both Albany State and Clark Atlanta.
