HBCU Alum Makes History as First to Win Pro Football Championship as Head Coach

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Steven Corder | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 9:00 PM ET

Shannon Harris, a former Tennessee State quarterback and HBCU graduate, made history Saturday night by becoming the first HBCU alum to coach a U.S. professional football team to a league championship.

Harris led the DC Defenders to a dominant 58-34 win over the Michigan Panthers in the 2025 UFL Championship Game at The Dome at America’s Center. The Defenders erupted for 31 points in the second quarter, setting a new UFL scoring record.

Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu earned MVP honors after throwing for 390 yards and four touchdowns. Fellow Tennessee State alum Chris Rowland added 69 all-purpose yards in the victory.

Harris, who took over as interim head coach just days before the season began following Reggie Barlow’s departure, emphasized the team’s collective effort and resilience throughout the season.

“These guys here, man, I can’t thank them enough for the effort they put into this, the resiliency that we had throughout the course of the year,” Harris stated after the victory.

He credited Barlow for laying the groundwork and praised the unity among his coaching and support staff. “We owe a lot to Coach Barlow,” said Harris. “It came down to not just a one-man show. It came down to us, we and ours, and that’s been the motto for us the entire season. We’re going to do this together.”

The win capped a remarkable run for Harris, who also received the 2025 UFL Buddy Teevens Coach of the Year award. The Defenders finished 6-4 in the regular season and rode their team-first mentality to a historic title, representing both the strength of HBCU programs and the power of perseverance.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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