Memphis is getting a new assistant special teams coach. After things didn’t work out with their previous one, the school is turning to Matt Harper, whom the team hopes can raise the bar in 2026.
According to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz on X in a Wednesday post on X, the assistant is set to be coming from the NFL.
Here’s a look at what there is to know about Memphis’ new special teams assistant coach.
What To Know About Matt Harper Heading Into New Stint
Matt Harper has made a huge choice in joining Memphis, leaving behind the NFL after spending more than a decade in the NFL. Harper, a special teams specialist, has spent time with the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles since 2013.
The Rams were his shortest stint of just one season in 2025. Before that, he had spent four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers from 2021 to 2024. Between 2013 and 2020, the coach spent his working days with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Why Did Matt Harper Become Available For Memphis?
According to Pro Football History, Harper coached just three games with the team. However, while most assistants with less than a full season are the result of an early firing, Harper was hired late in the year to help the unit get over the hump after losing ground against the Seattle Seahawks, per a Dec. 22 report from Rams Media.
Harper’s stint with the Los Angeles was short, and he was not retained beyond that. He chose Memphis as his next destination.
Matt Harper’s Experience Outside Special Teams
While the bulk of his experience has centered around special teams, Harper has spent time working as an assistant coach in other capacities. Most recently, he worked as a wide receivers assistant coach in 2019 and 2020 with the Eagles.
Before that, he dabbled on the defensive side of the ball as an assistant defensive line coach in Philadelphia in 2015.
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