Cleveland "Chick" Harris, a longtime NFL assistant coach whose career included nine seasons with the Seahawks, died this week at the age of 79, his family announced.
"It is with profound sadness that the family of Cleveland 'Chick' Harris announces the passing of our beloved father, husband, brother, mentor, and teacher on January 6 after a brief and valiant battle with cancer," the family wrote in a statement. "A 33-year NFL veteran assistant coach (1981-2014), he touched the lives of countless players, coaches, and personnel and will be dearly missed. Harris passed away at his home in Atlanta, Georgia, surrounded by family. He was 79."
"He will be remembered as a role model, advocate, and trusted advisor to his players and many who dreamed of a coaching career. The Harris family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support."
Harris began his coaching career at his alma mater, Northern Arizona University, where he played tailback and defensive back and served as a co-captain. He then went on to coach at Colorado State, Long Beach State and the University of Washington, helping lead the Huskies to a pair of Rose Bowl victories.
Harris' NFL career began with the Bills in 1981, beginning a long working relationship with Chuck Knox. Harris joined Knox in Seattle in 1983, beginning a nine-year run with the Seahawks that saw him help mentor backs like Curt Warner and Chris Warren.
In his first season in Seattle, Harris was part of the coaching staff that led the Seahawks to their first postseason appearance, and he helped Warner to a breakout rookie season that saw him rush for 1,449 yards and 13 touchdowns while earning Pro-Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors.
Harris later coached for the Los Angeles Rams, Carolina Panthers and Houston Texas in a career that spanned 33 seasons in the NFL.
Harris also served as offensive coordinator with the Rams and was, as his family's statement notes, "a pioneer of modern coaching, he was among a handful of Black coaches who integrated pro and college coaching ranks."
In all, Harris coached eight different running backs with a combined 15 seasons of at least 1,000 rushing yards, including Warner, Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis, Ahman Green, and Arian Foster.
Harris is survived by his daughters Tarana and Kara, son Tyler, and grandchildren Marley, Mila, Kinga, and Andrzej Cleveland.
