Kearney, Neb. – Nebraska Kearney head football coach Ryan Held today announced that Tyler Harris is the Lopers new wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator. He replaces Moses Harper who was named head coach at Division II Lincoln (Mo.) University last month.
Harris, a native of Andover, Kan., is no stranger to the MIAA as he spent the last seven years at Emporia State as a player, graduate assistant coach, assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.
Beginning his playing career at Hutchinson (Kan.) C.C., Harris was an All-MIAA receiver in 2018 before transitioning to a GA role where he led the Hornet outside receivers for two years. He then was tabbed for a full-time role prior to the 2021 season, serving as receivers coach/recruiting coordinator. His recruiting territory was Southwestern Kansas, Wichita, Kansas junior colleges, Oklahoma City, and the Dallas Metroplex.
“I’m very excited to have Tyler and his wife, Kailey, join the UNK Football Family. Tyler is a very talented coach that has had a proven track record of developing wide receivers,” said Held. “He understands the MIAA Conference and he will help us elevate on offense as we go into our second year as a staff. We fired up for him to be a Loper!”
Harris was an integral part of the Hornets quick and potent passing attack as he coached standout receivers Jaylen Varner, Tyler Kahmann, Corey Thomas and Cole Schumacher, among others. Each earned All-MIAA honors in their career with Varner, Kahmann and Thomas being first-team selections. In 2023 Varner and Thomas both went over 1,000 receiving yards and combined for 32 receiving touchdowns. Varner has since transferred to Minnesota with Kahmann earning Academic All-American honors.
Emporia is coming off back-to-back 9-3 seasons and has made three straight bowl games. As a player, Harris helped the Hornets win the 2018 Corsicana (Texas) Bowl. He finished the year with 57 catches for 829 yards and a MIAA-best 14 receiving TD’s.
Harris graduated from Andover Central High School and received a Marketing degree from Emporia State in 2018.
UNK announced its Class of 2024 as part of Division II signing day. Spring practice starts at the end of March; a complete workout schedule is TBA.
