AKRON, Ohio — After it was rumored that former Pitt head football coach Walt Harris was interested in taking over the program at Seneca Valley High, the veteran coach decided to go in a different direction.

The University of Akron athletics Web site reported today that Zips coach J.D. Brookhart hired Harris as quarterbacks coach/passing game coordinator.

"Walt is someone with whom I have worked with for a long time and have great respect for his abilities," Brookhart said.

Harris had a 13-year head coaching record of 69-85, including a 52-44 mark in resurrecting the Pittsburgh program as he took the Panthers to six bowl games in eight years. He additionally had stops as an assistant at California, Air Force, Michigan State, Illinois, Tennessee, New York Jets and Ohio State.

Highlights on his impressive resume include coaching 11 NFL first-round draft selections and three Biletnikoff Award winners.

"Walt is the most detail- oriented and best-prepared coaches with whom I have ever been associated," Brookhart said. "In terms of coaching the quarterback position, I do not know anyone better."