Harris struck by Lightning offer

There is an old saying that goes, If you can't beat them, join them.

Iowa City Liberty changed that a bit with Monday's announcement via Twitter. If you can't beat him, hire him.

Liberty athletic director Mike Morrison tweeted at 10:30 a.m. Monday that Washington head football coach James Harris would be the new head football coach for Liberty.

Harris has been the coach at Class 3A Washington for three years. Liberty is entering its fourth season with a varsity football team. Liberty achieved its first win before Harris did, defeating Waterloo East 18-6 Aug. 31, 2018. Washington played at Liberty Sept. 7, 2018 and Harris recorded his first victory as a head coach, 35-19. Harris and the Demons defeated Liberty 38-31 in 2019.

The Lightning had been looking for a new coach since Jan. 15 when Jeff Gordon resigned.

Washington athletic director Brent Van Weelden will now start that search for the Demons.

'I know Brent probably hates me because he is on vacation,” Harris said. 'I could've stayed in Washington forever because I was super happy and satisfied and comfortable, but staying in your comfort zone does not necessarily make you grow as a person. Not that I want to be too uncomfortable, but it is just a huge opportunity.”

After two years in 3A, the Lightning jumped up to 4A in 2020, going 2-3 amid a lengthy COVID-19 pause. They will be in 4A in the upcoming season.

Liberty was 3-6 in its first season, then 7-3 with a 14-7 playoff loss to Solon in 2019.

Harris arrives in North Liberty with an overall record of 21-7 with two Class 3A playoff appearances. Harris' best season came in 2020, as the Demons went undefeated in the regular season with key wins over Solon and Bettendorf.

'Telling the guys (Monday) morning was hard, really tough, because I've had the opportunity to coach really great guys that have bought into everything I have asked them to do and then I have to tell them I'm not going to be here next year,” Harris said. 'I told them nothing changes. I still expect them to win a district title. I still expect them to be in the weight room and to be the most successful person they can be of themselves.”

Harris graduated from Washington in 2002 and was the Demons defensive assistant for six seasons that resulted in five playoff appearances with a 48-18 record. He was the defensive coordinator in the last two of those seasons before taking over the program.

Harris was a lineman for the Demons, played basketball, ran track and graduated in 2002. Harris was a three-year starter in football at Coe College, where he earned an undergraduate degree with a strength and conditioning emphasis, when it won two IIAC championships.

'I have had the privilege to coach with a lot of good men in Washington, specifically Randy Schrader, Dave Hoffman, and Garrison Carter,” Harris said. 'My high school coaches, Lloyd Sisco and Jason Ganoe, had a big impact on me,”

Harris, who had submitted a resume in February, will now impact high school players at Liberty High School.

'I didn't think too much about it, just wanted to see what the interest was then I got a call on Wednesday, interviewed on Friday, got a call that evening that they wanted me,” Harris said. 'Sunday I accepted but I wanted to pray on it.”

From the moment he left the interview, he felt positive about the chance to leave a mark on a new program with new facilities and 1,165 kids in the school.

'It's a professional opportunity for me to see if I can be successful at another level,” Harris said.

There were multiple factors that aligned for the decision like a bump in pay, but a daughter in the Washington school district was one that was crucial.

'She's a little apprehensive but she's willing to take that jump, move to Iowa City and see what it is all about,” Harris said.

Mt. Pleasant head coach Shawn Striegel lost Washington as a district opponent, and gained Liberty so he will still meet up with Harris.

'I'm happy for him and his teams are always so disciplined, disciplined in the sport and in life. It's a big loss for Washington.”

TWEETS

Iowa City Liberty High School athletic director Mike Morrison:

Liberty High School welcomes new Football Coach James Harris.

Coach Harris has been the Head Football Coach at Washington, Iowa for the past three years. He led the Demons to an undefeated regular season in 2020. Under the leadership of Harris the Demons were Class 3A Playoff Qualifiers in 2019 and 2020. Harris has been selected to coach in the 2021 Shrine Bowl for the South Team. Coach Harris has been recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).

Iowa City Liberty High School Principal Justin Colbert:

Liberty community, please help me in welcoming Coach James Harris to our family. Coach Harris has proved himself as a football coach, but more importantly he has a proven record of developing young people. His leadership will support a healthy culture and climate in our building!

Former Washington football coach Garrison Carter:

Home run hire by Liberty! Great job by @LibertyHS_AD making this happen. Coach Harris is the standard for hard work and toughness! He has played a major role in building @WashFB into a perennial power by coaching his players hard and loving them harder! Class 4A, watch out!

Carter:

Coach Harris' résumé as a head coach speaks for itself, but what can't be reiterated enough is the role he has played in turning Washington into a year-in, year-out winner during his time as the D.C. as well. Big loss for Washington, but a HUGE addition for Liberty!

Former Washington football coach Randy Schrader:

Liberty Football, you got the right guy!!! Huge builder of young men on and off the field! You just got better!!!