Florida State Hires New Wide Receivers Coach Away From UCF

Detroit Lions Face Major Setback with SeasIn a strategic move to strengthen the coaching staff, Florida State has hired Tim Harris Jr. as their new wide receivers coach.

Harris, who joins the Seminoles from UCF, brings a wealth of experience to Tallahassee, further solidifying head coach Mike Norvell’s vision for the program’s future.

This is the third hire from UCF for Florida State, marking a new chapter as they continue to build a competitive team.

Harris Jr., 39, has over 15 years of coaching experience, including a decade at the collegiate level. His time at UCF has been particularly notable, where he took over play-calling duties in 2024, following Gus Malzahn’s move to Florida State as offensive coordinator.

Prior to this role, Harris had also served as UCF’s co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach from 2021 to 2022.

His expertise in both offensive strategy and player development made him an invaluable asset to the Knights.

In addition, Harris Jr. had a previous stint as the running backs coach at Miami in 2023, his alma mater, where he also had a storied athletic career as a track star.

Before stepping into college coaching, Harris had an impactful career in high school football. He began as an offensive coordinator and coach at Booker T. Washington High School in 2009, later becoming the head coach in 2014.

Under his leadership, the team achieved an undefeated 15-0 record, winning the state championship.

Harris Jr. was widely recognized for his achievements, being named Florida Dairy Farmers Football Coach of the Year and Miami Dolphins South Florida High School Coach of the Year in 2014.

At Florida State, Harris Jr. will inherit a talented group of wide receivers, including returning players such as Hykeem Williams, Jalen Brown, and BJ Gibson.

The Seminoles are also adding depth to their roster with four wide receiver signings in the Early Signing Period, including highly-rated recruits like Jayvan Boggs and Tae’Shaun Gelsey.

With his track record of player development and strategic coaching, Harris Jr. is expected to have a significant impact on their growth and success.

Harris will replace Ron Dugans, who was let go in November, and will have a significant role in shaping the Seminoles’ wide receiver corps for the upcoming seasons.

The hiring of Harris Jr. is part of a broader effort to bring in experienced and dynamic coaching talent to help elevate Florida State’s football program to new heights.

Alongside his role in coaching wide receivers, Harris Jr. will work with the new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, who joined from UCF, to help develop a more explosive and versatile offense.

The Seminoles are aiming to build on their recent success and are positioning themselves as strong contenders in the ACC and beyond.

With the addition of Harris Jr., Florida State is making a clear commitment to enhancing their coaching staff and ensuring that their offensive unit continues to improve.

Fans can expect exciting developments from the Seminoles as they continue to build for the future under head coach Mike Norvell’s leadership.