In a significant move aimed at strengthening their leadership structure, the Dallas Cowboys have promoted defensive backs (DBs) coach Al Harris to the position of assistant head coach.
This strategic shift, announced at the beginning of the 2025 season, reflects the team’s commitment to bolstering their coaching staff with experienced leadership.
Harris’s promotion not only enhances his role within the team but also serves to highlight the Cowboys’ focus on their defensive growth under head coach Mike McCarthy.
Harris, who joined the Cowboys’ coaching staff in 2020, has earned a reputation as a skilled developer of defensive talent. Prior to his role as the DBs coach, Harris had a long and accomplished career as a player in the NFL, which included stints with the Green Bay Packers and the Miami Dolphins.
His deep understanding of the game and his ability to connect with players have made him a respected figure in the Cowboys’ organization. The move to assistant head coach solidifies his influence, positioning him as an integral part of McCarthy’s leadership team.
McCarthy’s decision to promote Harris comes at a time when the Cowboys are looking to further refine their defensive strategy. The Cowboys’ secondary, a vital component of their defensive unit, has shown promise under Harris’s tutelage. His ability to coach up players, like Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland, has been evident as the team has steadily improved in pass defense.
Harris has been instrumental in developing these young cornerbacks into key contributors, ensuring that the secondary is one of the team’s strongest units.
This promotion also reflects a larger trend within the NFL, where teams are increasingly prioritizing experience and versatility in their coaching staff. By moving Harris into the assistant head coach role, McCarthy aims to foster a more cohesive coaching environment while also giving Harris more influence over broader team strategy, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
Harris’s new position will also allow him to assist McCarthy with in-game decisions and broader team operations, a move that could prove vital during critical moments in the season.
In a team that has seen significant playoff contention in recent years, Harris’s new title marks a clear sign of the Cowboys’ investment in their coaching staff’s future.
With this strategic shift, the Cowboys are poised to build on their recent successes and remain competitive as one of the NFL’s top teams.