Cowboys DB coach Al Harris promoted to assistant head coach

Al Harris has a new title. The defensive backs coach for the Dallas Cowboys is expected to be promoted — adding assistant head coach to his current title, Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reported Sunday.

Harris, 49, has been on the Cowboys’ coaching staff since 2020 when Mike McCarthy was named the team’s head coach. McCarthy spent four seasons as Harris’ head coach when the former NFL cornerback played for the Green Bay Packers (2006-09).

Under Harris’ tutelage, Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland have become All-Pro cornerbacks. Bland led the NFL with nine interceptions this past season, while Diggs paced the league with 11 in 2021.

“Definitely, Al’s an incredible coach. And I think anytime you have a chance to be in a room not only with someone that’s an expert of how to do it, but he’s also done it, that carries a lot of weight in this game without a doubt,” McCarthy said this past November. “… I’m just so happy for him to see him get some recognition for the type of job that he’s done.” 

Al Harris earning praise for his work with Cowboys’ secondary

Given Harris’ career, in which he played 14 seasons, earning two Pro Bowl appearances, it’s hardly surprising to see his success as a coach.

“If you knew Al as a player, I mean he was, I mean he was a bulldog,” McCarthy said. “I mean he was just all football. But yeah, I mean, you know, I’m not surprised by it because of the way he played because it’s the way he coaches, you know, and what he believes in. I mean, Al was such a strong technician when he played. We lined up, we played bump-and-run pretty much every snap. So, he really always challenged, was a challenge for the receivers that we were preparing for week in and week out. And he coaches the same way.”

In addition to continuing to serve under McCarthy, Harris will coach under newly hired defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. Zimmer replaced Dan Quinn, who took the head coaching job for the Washington Commanders.