Sam Harkness enters his first season at Oberlin as an Assistant Football Coach in 2026-27 after getting hired in August of 2026.
Primarily working with the Yeomen defensive line, Harkness joins Oberlin after coaching on staff at Bowdoin for three years, working with the running backs and tight ends for two years and as the wide receivers coach during the 2025 season. With the Bears, he managed recruiting in nine U.S. states as well as all international recruits, led position meetings, and served as the social media and film coordinator. Before his time in Maine, Harkness worked at Mayville State for a year, working with the tight ends and running backs and coaching a tight end to an All-Conference First-Team selection.Â
An Australian native, Harkness was the Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator of the Brisbane Rhinos from 2016 to 2021, leading the team to five state championship games, three coach of the year nominations, and leading the league in offensive yards for three seasons. Harkness has also worked with the Queensland Sun Devils U19 All-Star Team as well as the University of Hawaii.Â
Harkness graduated with his Bachelor's in Business Sport Management from Griffith University in Gold Coast, Australia.  Â
