Miami Running Backs Coach Tim “Ice” Harris Jr. Set to Become Offensive Coordinator at UCF

Tim “Ice” Harris Jr., the running backs coach for the Miami Hurricanes, is set to make a return to the UCF Knights as the new offensive coordinator under the leadership of head coach Gus Malzahn, where Harris Jr. previously held the positions of co-offensive coordinator and assistant head coach.

During his sole season at Miami in 2023, Harris Jr. skillfully managed a dynamic running back unit. The group, led by a mix of seasoned players and promising talents like Henry Parrish Jr., Don Chaney Jr., true freshman Mark Fletcher Jr., and transfer redshirt freshman Ajay Allen Jr., collectively achieved noteworthy milestones. Notably, three out of the four running backs reached the coveted 100-yard mark in multiple games throughout the 2023 season—Parrish Jr. (2), Fletcher Jr. (2), and Chaney Jr. (1).

Under Coach Tim Harris Jr.’s guidance, Miami’s rushing attack underwent a remarkable transformation. The team’s total rushing yards surged from 1,538 with 12 touchdowns in 2022 to an impressive 2,251 yards with 24 touchdowns during the 2023 season.

Harris Jr.’s arrival at Miami ahead of the 2023 season followed the departure of Kevin Smith, who briefly served as the running backs coach during Mario Cristobal’s inaugural season in 2022 and later returned to Ole Miss to resume his role as the running backs coach with the Rebels.

Prior to his tenure at UCF, Harris served as the running backs coach at Florida International from 2015 to 2020. Notably, he also enjoyed success as the head coach at Booker T. Washington High School in 2014, earning accolades such as the Florida Dairy Farmers Football Coach of the Year.

In addition to his coaching achievements, Harris boasts a remarkable track and field legacy at the University of Miami. As a four-time NCAA All-American in the 800-meter event and a six-time ACC champion in both indoor and outdoor competitions, Harris’s records in the 800-meter event stand unmatched at Miami, solidifying his status as a legend in the university’s track and field history.