MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University Department of Intercollegiate, announced legendary quarterback Major Harris will return to his alma mater as the offensive coordinator for the West Virginia Mountaineers football program. Harris, a College Football Hall of Famer and one of the most iconic figures in Mountaineer history, is parting ways with the Pittsburgh Panthers, WVU’s bitter rival in the storied Backyard Brawl, to rejoin the gold and blue.
Harris, whose No. 9 jersey is retired at Milan Puskar Stadium, was a first-team All-American in 1989 and led West Virginia to an undefeated regular season and a national championship appearance in the Fiesta Bowl that year. His dynamic dual-threat style revolutionized the quarterback position, amassing 7,334 total yards and becoming one of only a handful of Division I quarterbacks to pass for over 5,000 yards and rush for over 2,000 in a career. Now, the “Brashear Bullet” is tasked with revitalizing a Mountaineer offense that has shown promise but seeks consistency in the competitive Big 12 Conference.
“This is a homecoming for one of the greatest Mountaineers of all time,” said WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez, who returned to the program in 2024. “Major’s understanding of our culture, his innovative offensive mind, and his ability to connect with players make him the perfect fit to lead our offense. We’re thrilled to welcome him back to Morgantown.”
Harris’s departure from Pittsburgh, where he served as an assistant wide receivers coach at North Hills High School and had been rumored to be involved in an advisory role with the Panthers, adds a dramatic twist to the Backyard Brawl rivalry. The Mountaineers and Panthers, separated by just 75 miles along Interstate 79, have clashed 107 times, with Pitt leading the series 63-41-3. The rivalry, known for its intensity and regional pride, has seen memorable moments, including Harris’s iconic 1988 performance against Penn State, where he outgained the entire Nittany Lions team. His move from the Panthers’ sphere to WVU’s sidelines is sure to ignite passions when the teams meet next.
During his playing career from 1987-89, Harris electrified fans with his daring, unpredictable style. He finished fifth and third in Heisman Trophy voting in 1988 and 1989, respectively, and was named the Eastern College Athletic Conference Player of the Year both seasons. His 1988 season included leading WVU to an 11-0 regular season, only to fall to Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl after a shoulder injury early in the game. Harris’s legacy endures, with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009 and his jersey retirement in 2021.
As offensive coordinator, Harris inherits a talented roster, including dual-threat quarterback Garrett Greene, who threw for 2,406 yards and rushed for over 1,400 yards in 2024, echoing Harris’s own playing style. Running backs CJ Donaldson Jr. and Jahiem White, who combined for significant yardage last season, provide a potent ground game that Harris is expected to elevate. His coaching philosophy, shaped by years of professional experience in the Canadian Football League and Arena Football League, emphasizes adaptability and explosive playmaking—traits that defined his playing career.
“Coming back to West Virginia feels like destiny,” Harris said in a press conference. “This program gave me everything, and I’m here to give back. We’re going to play fast, aggressive, and fearless football. I want our players to feel the same passion I did wearing that jersey.”
The Mountaineers, coming off a 9-4 season in 2023 but a mixed 2024 campaign, are banking on Harris to spark an offensive renaissance. His predecessor, Chad Scott, built a formidable rushing attack, leading Power 5 schools with 2,976 rushing yards in 2023. Harris is expected to blend that ground dominance with a more dynamic passing game, leveraging tight end Kole Taylor and wide receiver Hudson Clement.
Fans have already taken to social media, with posts trending on X celebrating Harris’s return and speculating on the impact against Pitt in the next Backyard Brawl. “Major Harris back in Morgantown? Pitt’s gonna regret this!” one fan wrote. Another posted, “The Backyard Brawl just got personal. Let’s go, Major!”
As Harris prepares to install his offense, the Mountaineer faithful are buzzing with anticipation. His homecoming not only rekindles memories of WVU’s glory days but also sets the stage for a new chapter in one of college football’s fiercest rivalries.
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