Cowboys promote Al Harris to assistant head coach, but his goal is to run his own team
The Dallas Cowboys rewarded defensive backs coach Al Harris for his success in developing cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland into NFL interception leaders by adding assistant head coach to his title.
Harris’ promotion was officially acknowledged with the franchise’s official announcement of the 2024 coaching staff under Mike McCarthy.
Diggs, who led the NFL with 13 interceptions in 2021, has the most picks in the league since he joined the Cowboys as a second-round pick in 2020.
Bland has the most picks in the NFL since 2022 and is coming off an All-Pro season in 2023 when he set an NFL record with five interceptions returned for touchdowns. He was a fifth-round pick in 2022.
“Al has been such an impactful member of our coaching staff and team. I’m looking forward to his leadership in this expanded role,” McCarthy said in a statement. “He’s a highly effective mentor and motivator, and our entire team will benefit from him taking this elevated step. Al’s dedication, teamwork, understanding of the game and experience in developing the unique dynamics necessary to support a championship locker room are all part of his special fit for this.”
Harris played 14 years in the NFL, including eight in Green Bay where he played under McCarthy for five seasons. He came to Dallas with McCarthy in 2020.
He was considered for the defensive coordinator job when Dan Quinn left for Washington. But Harris has higher aspirations. He wants to become a head coach.
This is a step in that direction.
“I appreciate Coach McCarthy and the Cowboys for entrusting me with the responsibility of assisting the head coach in our pursuit of winning championships,” Harris said. “We have a strong and talented group that is capable of achieving our goals and I will dedicate my time, energy, and expertise to help this team succeed by contributing in any way possible.”
The 2024 staff features one new hire on offense and five new defensive coaches, led by defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.
The list includes as Greg Ellis (assistant defensive line/quality control), Christian Garcia (assistant defensive backs/quality control, Paul Guenther (defensive run game coordinator), Jeff Zgonina (defensive line) and Steve Shmiko (offensive assistant quality control).
This story was originally published March 19, 2024 at 2:01 PM.
