Kansas football fans frustrated after a 5-7 season might soon see a familiar name connected to the program. Former Jayhawk star Chris Harris Jr. said on X this week he wants to become a defensive backs coach and eventually a defensive coordinator.

Jayhawk fans know the name well as Harris Jr. was a key piece of Kansas’ defense from 2007 to 2010. He started as a freshman on the 12-1 Orange Bowl team and finished his four-year career with 290 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and three interceptions. 

Although he was a household name in Lawrence, Harris Jr. went undrafted before going on to have a memorable NFL career. He had an 11-year NFL career with four Pro Bowls, two All-Pro selections and a Super Bowl title as a leader of Denver’s secondary. He later played for the Chargers and Saints before retiring in 2024.

With Kansas searching for answers on defense, the idea of Harris Jr. joining Lance Leipold’s staff is at least an intriguing one. He is also a member of Kansas football’s Ring of Honor.