CHICAGO, Ill. — Chicago State University Athletics is excited to announce the hiring of
Jamar Harp as the program's first-ever Video Coordinator and H-Backs & Tight Ends Assistant Coach. Harp brings nearly two decades of coaching, operations, and video coordination experience across Division I, Division II and high school football, making him one of the most seasoned and versatile additions to the Cougars' inaugural football staff.
Coach Harp is close to the completion of his doctoral degree at the University of Iowa and hold degrees from Grambling State University and North Carolina Central University, Harp's background blends academic excellence, technical expertise, and on-field coaching mastery. His career includes extensive work in video operations, offensive line development, run-game coordination, special teams analysis, and student-athlete academic support.
"
I'm honored to join Chicago State during such a historic moment for the university," Harp said. "
My passion has always been to teach, mentor, and elevate student-athletes, and I'm excited to bring that energy to this program."
Harp's coaching journey spans more than 15 institutions and programs across the country, reflecting a rare combination of technical skill, football IQ, and administrative leadership. His recent roles include:
- Offensive Line / Run Game Coordinator – Lane College (2025)
- Running Backs / Tight Ends / Special Teams Coordinator – Central State University (2024–2025)
- Assistant Offensive Line / Special Teams Analyst – Grambling State University (2022–2024)
- Offensive Line Coach – Livingstone College (2020–2022)
- Offensive Line Coach / History Teacher / Video Coordinator – Westover Comprehensive High School (2018–2020)
- Offensive Line Coach / Run Game Coordinator – Mississippi Valley State University (2017–2018)
- Offensive Line Coach / Video Coordinator – Shaw University (2016)
- Offensive Assistant / Assistant Sports Information – Mississippi Valley State University (2015–2016)
- Defensive Line Coach – Paine College (2014–2015)
- Defensive Quality Control / Linebackers – Winston-Salem State University (2013–2014)
- Assistant Offensive Line / Video Coordinator – North Carolina Central University (2011–2013)
- Assistant Coach (OL/TE) – Delta State University (2009)
- Graduate Assistant – University of Iowa Athletics (2008–2009)
- Assistant Offensive Line / Video Coordinator – Howard University (2007–2008)
Across these roles, Harp has directed video operations, managed film crews, created electronic playbooks and special teams manuals, produced scouting reports, and coordinated data input for practices and games—skills that directly align with his new responsibilities at Chicago State.
Harp's expertise extends far beyond the field. His resume includes:
- Directing team video services and managing student film crews
- Creating electronic playbooks, scout cards, and special teams manuals
- Coordinating run-game strategy and weekly reports
- Leading academic support, tutoring, and study hall programs
- Serving as a public address announcer, sports information assistant, and event operations specialist
- Working in financial aid administration, giving him unique insight into student-athlete support systems
His diverse background positions him as a key contributor to both the football program's competitive development and its operational infrastructure.
Harp is a member of the
Black Coaches Association (BCA), the
American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), the
North Carolina Central University Football Alumni Association, and
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. His career reflects a consistent commitment to mentorship, academic accountability, and holistic student-athlete development.
Building the Foundation of Chicago State Football
Head Football Coach
Bobby Rome II emphasized the significance of Harp's addition to the staff:
"Jamar Harp is one of the most experienced and well-rounded coaches in the country when it comes to video operations, offensive development, and student-athlete support. His background at every level of college football gives our program an immediate competitive advantage. More importantly, he's a teacher, a mentor, and a true professional. We're building something special at Chicago State, and Coach Harp is exactly the kind of leader we want shaping our student-athletes and our culture."
In his new role, Harp will oversee all aspects of video operations—including practice and game film, data management, and digital infrastructure—while assisting in the development of the Cougars' H-Backs and Tight Ends.
