KEENEY’S KORNER – Coach of the Year
By Mike Keeney
Contributing Writer
It appears, Cornelius Harmon likes this head coaching thing.
Harmon, who became a first-time head coach in March of 2022 when he was hired by Aldine ISD to run the Nimitz High football program, led Nimitz to a second straight playoff berth and an eight-win season. In two years as a head coach, Harmon is 14-8, and with nine offensive and seven defensive starters returning for the 2024 season, more big things could be on the horizon for the Cougars.
For leading Nimitz to eight wins and second straight playoff berth, Harmon was named the Northeast News’ Coach of the Year for the second straight year.
Harmon, who started at three years at quarterback at Texas Southern University, began his coaching career as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Port Arthur Memorial where he spent nine years. He then moved to Summer Creek in Humble ISD where he served as offensive coordinator before being named the head football coach at Nimitz.
Harmon admitted he and his knew they had a young team to start the 2023 season, but that things began to click early.
“We knew we were going to be young and I want to give kudos to the staff for the great job they did getting these kids prepared for the season,” Harmon said. “The key to our success was our kids grew up quickly and they grew as the season progressed.”
The Cougars won their first five games before falling to Westfield, then ran off three more straight wins before falling to Dekaney in the season finale and to Willis in bi-district. The season did not end the way Harmon, his staff and his players wanted it to, but the head coach believes the future is bright at Nimitz.
“We have a lot of kids coming back on both sides of the ball and we’re excited about the future,” Harmon said. “Our kids will continue to work hard on a daily basis. We will be confident, but not cocky. We know there will be expectations for us next year.”
Harmon said the focus during the offseason will be for his players to get bigger, faster, stronger and develop some depth for the 2024 season. Harmon said he has enjoyed coaching this group of players and is thankful he has the opportunity to continue working with them for another season.
“This is a fun bunch to coach,” Harmon said. “It’s pretty fun when you get to coach a bunch of young kids and see them grown. That’s the fun part about coaching.”
Harmon added he and his staff are fortunate to have a group of dedicated young men with which to work and while he enjoyed the 2023 season, he wants to build a program at Nimitz that will be successful for years to come.
“We had our ups and downs this year and I enjoyed the season,” Harmon said. “We will strive to make this one of the most respected programs in not only Houston, but in Texas.”