Favorite Verse: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9
Larry Harmon was promoted to Head Football Coach in January 2022 after spending the previous 20 seasons as the Cru’s defensive coordinator. Harmon guided the Cru to a 12-2 record in his first season at the helm as the Crusaders finished in the NCAA Division III Semifinals for the fifth time in program history. He also helped the Cru to a NCAA Quarterfinal finish in the 2024 season.
During his tenure as defensive coordinator, the UMHB defense ranked among the nation’s best in total defense, scoring defense, rushing defense and pass efficiency defense. Under his direction, the Cru defense produced 18 ASC Defensive Players of the Year and four national defensive players of the year. UMHB also led the nation in rushing defense in 2006. In addition to his defensive coordinator duties, Coach Harmon also worked with UMHB’s kick return and kick coverage teams. He opened his career at UMHB in 1999, spending three years as UMHB’s secondary coach.
Coach Harmon spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Northwest Missouri State prior to joining UMHB. He helped guide the Bearcats to the NCAA Division II national championship in 1998. Coach Harmon also spent one season as an assistant coach at South Dakota State before moving to Northwest Missouri.
Coach Harmon is a 1995 graduate of South Dakota State University. He was a four-year letterman as a strong safety for the Jackrabbits football team. Larry and his wife, Sandi, have two children, Brett and Christopher.
Accolades as Head Coach (2022-present)
Gagliardi Trophy Finalists: 1
Regional Players of the Year: 2
ASC Players of the Year: 5
NCAA Division III National Semifinalists: 2022
American Southwest Conference Champions: 2022
All-America Selections: 19
Accolades as Defensive Coordinator (2002-2021):
Gagliardi Trophy Finalists: 3
Regional Defensive Player of the Year: 8
National Defensive Player of the Year: 4
ASC Defensive Player of the Year: 18
NCAA Division III National Championships: 2018, 2021
NCAA Division III National Runners-Up: 2004
NCAA Division III National Semifinalists: 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013
NCAA Division III National Quarterfinalists: 2006, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2024
American Southwest Conference Champions: 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020-21, 2021
