The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have added D.J. Harper to their coaching staff as the running backs coach.
The 29-year-old former CFL and NFL running back replaces Corey Grant, who is now the offensive coordinator at McMaster University.
Harper spent the last two seasons (2017-18) as an offensive graduate assistant at Fresno State University, working with current Ticats head coach Orlondo Steinauer on the Bulldogs’ coaching staff in 2017. Harper also has experience as a player at the NCAA, National Football League and Canadian Football League levels where his career was cut short due to multiple knee injuries.
Current Hamilton Tiger-Cats Coaching Staff
Orlondo Steinauer, head coach
June Jones, associate head coach and offensive coordinator
Mark Washington, defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach
Jeff Reinebold, special teams coordinator
Tommy Condell, wide receivers coach
Dennis McKnight, offensive line coach
Robin Ross, linebackers coach
Randy Melvin, defensive line coach
Craig Butler, defensive backs special teams assistant
D.J. Harper, running backs coach
Jarryd Baines, assistant wide receivers coach and offensive quality control
Harper retired from professional football as a player after spending the 2014 season in the CFL with the Ottawa Redblacks. The Cypress, Texas, native played eight games with the Redblacks, starting once, and registered nine carries for 58 rushing yards, two receptions for 23 yards, and returned four kickoffs for 58 yards. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers in 2013 and played in the preseason before being waived.
Prior to turning pro, Harper spent parts of six seasons (2007-12) at Boise State University, suiting up in 54 career games. He clocked a personal best 4.34-second 40-yard dash prior to his junior season. Overall, Harper posted 547 carries for 2,779 rushing yards with 39 touchdowns, while adding 54 receptions for 396 yards and two receiving touchdowns during his tenure with the Broncos.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats open their pre-season schedule in Ottawa against the Redblacks on June 1, before kicking off the regular season at Tim Hortons Field against Saskatchewan on June 13.
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