Rockford (IL) Auburn football names new head coach

TL;DR

Rockford (IL) Auburn High School has appointed Hosea Harris as their new head football coach for the 2026 season. Harris previously held multiple roles at the school, including offensive coordinator and head baseball coach.

Key points

Hosea Harris appointed as head coach
New role effective for the 2026 season
Harris has previous coaching experience at the school

Mentioned in this story

Hosea Harris

Rockford Auburn High Schoolhigh school football

Photo by Meegan M. Reid / USA TODAY Sports

On Tuesday morning, Rockford (IL) Auburn High School announced who will be their new head football coach for the 2026 season.

[ $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage ]

Per the announcement via social media on X, formerly known as Twitter, the has tabbed Hosea Harris as the program’s next head coach. Harris has already served in many capacities at the school already like as the offensive coordinator, head baseball coach and as an assistant on the boys basketball team.

With over 25 years of experience in RPS205, Coach Harris brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to our Football Program. He has served as Head Football Coach at both Middle and High school levels. Coach Harris has had a hand in growing many of Auburn’s athletic programs including previous roles as Varsity Baseball Head Coach and Varsity Football Offensive Coordinator at Auburn. He currently serves as a Student Mentor, Athletic Coordinator, and Varsity Boys Basketball Assistant Coach at Auburn.

The Knights have gone through eight straight seasons finishing at or below the .500 mark, with the last time the program had a winning record was 2017 when Auburn finished with a 8-2 mark. Now Harris will be tasked with aiming to lead the squad to a winning season this upcoming fall after only winning a game a year ago.

Auburn finished with a 1-8 record and as the No. 265 in the state, according to the final 2025 Illinois High School Football Massey Rankings.

More about Auburn High School

Auburn High School in Rockford, Illinois, is a public, coeducational high school serving around 1,800 students. Part of Rockford Public Schools, the school provides a comprehensive academic and extracurricular program, emphasizing diversity, college readiness, and community involvement. Auburn is known for its strong athletics program, with teams competing as the “Knights” in red and black, and has achieved success in sports like basketball, football, and soccer. The school also offers a rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program, promoting a global education perspective.

Q&A

Who is the new head football coach for Rockford Auburn High School?

Hosea Harris has been named the new head football coach for Rockford Auburn High School.

What roles did Hosea Harris hold at Rockford Auburn before becoming head coach?

Before becoming head coach, Hosea Harris served as the offensive coordinator, head baseball coach, and assistant on the boys basketball team.

When will Hosea Harris start as head coach for Auburn High School football?

Hosea Harris will start as head coach for the Auburn High School football team in the 2026 season.