Rockford (IL) Auburn High School has found its new leader on the gridiron. On Tuesday morning, the school officially announced Hosea Harris as the next head football coach for the 2026 season, marking a pivotal moment for a program hungry for a turnaround.

Harris is no stranger to the Auburn community. Already serving as the team's offensive coordinator, head baseball coach, and an assistant on the boys basketball team, he brings over 25 years of experience within the Rockford Public School District (RPS205). His resume includes head coaching stints at both the middle and high school levels, as well as key roles in growing several of Auburn’s athletic programs. Currently, he also works as a student mentor and athletic coordinator—showing his deep commitment to developing young athletes on and off the field.

“Coach Harris brings a wealth of knowledge to the position, and we are excited to see him back in action on the football field!” the school shared in a social media announcement, complete with a photo of the new coach.

The Knights are in need of a spark. Auburn has endured eight consecutive seasons finishing at or below .500, with their last winning record coming in 2017 (8-2). After a tough 1-8 campaign in 2025—ranking No. 265 in the state per the final Illinois High School Football Massey Rankings—Harris faces the challenge of rebuilding a proud program. For a team that last tasted sustained success nearly a decade ago, his experience and familiarity with the school could be the key to turning things around.

Auburn High School, a public coeducational school serving about 1,800 students, is known for its strong athletics tradition and competitive spirit. As the Knights prepare for the upcoming fall, all eyes will be on Coach Harris to see if he can restore the winning culture that once defined the program. For fans and players alike, this hire signals a new chapter—one filled with hope and the promise of better days ahead.