Shannon Harris Leads DC Defenders to UFL Championship, Becomes First HBCU Alum to Coach Pro Team to Victory

Historic UFL Championship Win for Coach Shannon Harris

The DC Defenders stormed to a 58-34 win over the Michigan Panthers on June 14 to claim the 2025 UFL Championship. Head coach Shannon Harris led the charge, making sports history along the way. He is now the first HBCU alumnus to coach a professional football team to a U.S. championship title.

This victory also earned Harris the 2025 USL Buddy Teevens Coach of the Year award. He stepped into the role mid-season and delivered results few expected. Harris’ calm leadership and trust in his players fueled the Defenders’ dominant finish.

From Interim Role to Championship Glory

Harris took over as head coach after Reggie Barlow left to coach at Tennessee State University. He didn’t just hold the fort—he elevated the team. Under his guidance, the Defenders posted a 6-4 regular-season record. They then defeated the St. Louis Battlehawks to reach the final.

The team’s offense exploded in the championship game. Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu threw for 390 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for 29 yards and added a rushing touchdown, earning the game’s MVP award.

Gratitude, Teamwork, and Faith at the Forefront

After the game, Harris gave all credit to God and the people around him. “To God be the glory,” he said in an emotional post-game interview. “The coaching staff, support staff—we’ve all been in sync since day one.”

Harris praised his players’ determination, highlighting their unity and resilience throughout the season. He also thanked DC’s loyal fan base, saying, “We wanted to do it for them as well.”

A Former Quarterback with a Story of His Own

Before coaching, Harris was a standout quarterback at Tennessee State University. He once faced off against future NFL star Tony Romo in a memorable college game. Harris threw for 382 yards and five touchdowns in that narrow loss, proving his skills early on.

His player experience shows in how he leads. He understands what it takes to succeed on the field and uses that insight to inspire his team.

DC Defenders Dominated Stat Sheets All Season

Under Harris’ leadership, the Defenders became the UFL’s top offense. The team led the league in total yards (3,454) and touchdowns (17). Ta’amu also topped the league in passing yards (2,294) and was second in total yards (2,333).

Seven of Harris’ players earned All-UFL honors, tying for the most in the league. The stats prove what fans already knew: this team wasn’t lucky—they were elite.

What’s Next for Coach Harris?

Though there’s talk he may join Tennessee State’s staff, Harris hasn’t made a final decision. “That’s yet to be determined,” he said at the post-game press conference. His focus now is enjoying the moment with his team.

He looked at his players with pride and added, “It’d be hard to leave these guys here.” For now, Harris remains with the Defenders, holding the title of a trailblazer and champion.