Independence Community College Head Football Coach Kiyoshi Harris has accepted a position to become the new director of player personnel for the Boise State University Broncos. Harris will make the leap to Division-1 after serving at ICC for over three years with his first two seasons in the role of associate head coach, offensive line coach, and recruiting coordinator, last season in the role of head coach.
“With mixed emotions, I will be stepping down and pursuing a job opportunity with Boise State University,” said Harris.
In 2019, Harris took over an ICC Pirates squad that had gone 2-8 in the season prior to him taking the reins. Through hard work on the practice field, in the classroom, and on the recruiting trail, Harris instantly achieved success in Independence by flipping the Pirates’ record to 8-2 in his single season as head coach. With that record came a Jayhawk Conference Championship to add to the #DreamU trophy case.
“In a short period of time, Coach Harris returned Indy Football to a premiere program both on the field and off,” said ICC Interim President Cordell Jordan. “He laid the foundation for continued success for ICC student athletes in their athletic, educational and personal pursuits. The dedication to the college and this community that Coach instilled in his players is unparalleled.”
At ICC, Harris was famous for his “4’s Up” philosophy which emphasized winning in the classroom, in the community, in the weight room, and ultimately on the field. Community involvement was core to Harris’ tenure in Independence as he, his coaching staff, and his players frequently volunteered their time and efforts for local charities, non-profits, and local businesses.
“Coach Harris’ legacy in Independence is bigger than Football,” ICC Athletic Director, Eric Figurski, said of the move. “He wrote the blueprint for a successful program here: work hard, recruit well, win championships, and serve the students and community. I see Julie and Kiyoshi as family, and I know this community will miss them dearly.”
Coach Harris will join new Boise State Head Football Coach Andy Avalos who recently took the job in Idaho after serving as Defensive Coordinator for the Oregon Ducks.
“I want to publicly thank Independence Community College and the Community of Independence for all of the support I have felt as Head Football Coach,” Harris said. “My wife and I have thoroughly enjoyed our time in Independence and feel as though we have made life-long relationships while here.”
Defensive coordinator Jason Martin will take over as the new head football coach of the Independence Pirates. An official announcement will be made tomorrow. The football season begins March 26, 2021.