by Rosie Sinapi
Editor in Chief
After a short yet intense search for a defensive coordinator, the University of La Verne Athletics Department named Kirk Harmon as assistant football coach.
With the resignation of head coach Rex Huigens, a spot was left open for a new defensive coordinator.
“Our athletic director makes the final decision,” said Head Coach Don Morel. But from the beginning, Morel says he wanted Harmon.
Harmon, although honored, was not waiting for the phone to ring.
“At the time Don (Morel) approached me I wasn’t, but the opportunity to get back with a friend and work was a fine opportunity,” said Harmon.
He comes to La Verne with 10 years of coaching experience. A California native, the former National Football League player went to Burbank High School and from there the University of the Pacific.
Harmon, who graduated from UOP in 1982 with a degree in sports medicine, spent four years in the National Football League (NFL).
“I bounced around the NFL,” he said. “After my career ended, I went back to work on a master’s degree at UOP where I was a part-time assistant coach and eventually became defensive coordinator.”
In 1986, he took a job with the California State University, Fullerton Football team as a linebacker coach where he met Morel.
Upon CSUF’s athletic cut in 1992, he coached for a year at Occidental College and had the unfortunate experience of coaching against La Verne at last year’s Nov. 11 SCIAC deciding game.
He says that experience and the fact ULV went to the Div. III playoffs helped him decide to leave Oxy.
“I knew Don was an extremely professional person with high ethics,” he said. “I also knew his philosophy on academics first. He was doing all the proper things.”
Harmon who was chosen earlier this year is already working part-time recruiting. Another activity keeping him busy is his work towards a master’s in administration at ULV.
“I like the smallness of the campus. It seems like a really warm, friendly atmosphere,” he said.
On the gridiron, he wants to maintain the defensive unit despite the departure of Huigens and several starters.
“I would call myself a good coach if my defensive is as good as Rex.”
