FIU taps high school coach to take over running backs

FIU has dipped into the high school ranks to fill a coaching vacancy. 

Panthers head coach Ron Turner announced the hiring of Tim Harris Jr. out of Booker T. Washington High School to coach running backs.

Harris Jr. replaces Kerry Dixon II, who took a job with Florida.

"Tim Harris Jr. is a tireless worker," Turner said. "He has done an outstanding job at a highly successful high school program. He comes from a strong coaching background with his father Tim Harris Sr. He has a tremendous knack for communicating with his players on and off the field. 

"He's a disciplinarian who holds his kids accountable for everything they do."

In his lone season at the helm of Booker T., Harris Jr. was named Class 4A Coach of the Year after a leading his team to a second consecutive 14-0 record. 

"I'm really excited and thankful for the opportunity Coach Turner has given me and my family," Harris Jr. said. "FIU is a great destination. This is a program that kids want to be a part of and the direction Coach Turner and his staff have FIU football going in is something special. Being a local guy, I'm grateful for this being my first opportunity to coach in college. 

"I'm going to do everything I can to help take FIU to another level on and off the field and in the community."