Richard Harris is one of the most likable guys you'll ever meet and you just can't help but to respect him. A flash from the past where every conversation ends in a handshake. It's not hard to understand why he's one of, if not the most well liked and respected coaches in Bomberland.
Even more respectful was honouring a promise he made to Doug Brown rather than follow his best friend to Regina. You see a number of years ago Harris told Brown he'd stay with the Bombers as long as Brown played here. This past week Harris' old roomy Greg Marshall tried to get him to join him with the Roughriders. Marshall and Harris coached together with the Renegades and the Bombers. Instead of re-uniting with Marshall, Harris was a man of his word and stayed with the Bombers. Also thanks to some not so subtle prodding from Brown. He called it the hardest choice he's ever had to make…choking back his emotions as he compared it to "burying his brother". That's just how tight the two have become.
Brown raves about Harris any chance he gets and touts Harris as the top motivator in the game. From an outsider its almost like a father-son relationship. Brown says Harris is his #2 speed dial behind only his mother and Harris jokes that he gvies Brown a spanking now and then to keep him in place. But for some reason Harris has gotten a label for not being an "X's and O's" type guy. He was passed over for the Bombers recent Defensive Co-Ordinator job saying "I would have been a good one". But putting on a brave face he towed the company line saying that's "not to say now." But he did challenge any of his detractors to come to his office at anytime to show them he can be more than just a "motivator". Although he wouldn't come right out and say it you couldn't help but sense he was a little miffed at not even being considered. Clearly he has higher aspirations !
You see Harris has the kind of experience many can only dream of. He was drafted 5th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1971 NFL draft and played in the big show for close to a decade. He went on to coach indoor football for the better part of 6 years and then it was Steve Buratto then Head Coach of the BC Lions who brought him to the CFL in 2001. He's a perfect role model and does work in the community any chance he gets. Ask him where's home and he'll tell you it's Winnipeg even though he's only lived here for 5 years compared to 35 years before in Seattle.
The Bombers did show their respect by giving Harris the title of Assistant Head Coach but you can't help but feel when Brown retires after this year or next Harris will then follow his good buddy to Regina. He's a guy who would go to the ends of the earth to help those close to him (Regina is darn close) And you can't blame him for wanting to back his best friend. Afterall that's one of the quality traits that Bomber players and fans have come to adore.
For Complete Video of Tuesday's Media Conference click here…
http://www.globalwinnipeg.com/video/index.html?releasePID=Cc7_QZkKH_Xu9uOYbCGhH3e_q5tEcQNo
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