Joel Wells Resigns as Harrison Football Coach

After seven years Coach Wells resigns as football coach but is staying with the athletic department.

After seven years at the helm of Harrison Golden Goblin Football Coach Joel Wells has decided it’s time to turn the reigns over to someone else.

Wells said, “When I came here, I guaranteed them I’d be here five years and I’ve been here seven.”

During his seven-year tenure Wells amassed an overall record of 61 wins and 21 losses. He also led the Goblins to four consecutive conference championships from 2017-2020, and a trip to the 5A Arkansas State Semi-Finals in 2018.

Before coming to Harrison Wells coached in Missouri for 28 years. After all that time he said there was not one thing that caused him to make the decision to resign but that he just felt it was time.

Wells is largely credited with rebuilding Harrison’s football program after it faltered for a few years following the resignation of Coach Tommy Tice who returned to his hometown of Huntsville to finish his career in 2011. Well’s first season came in 2015.

“Rebuilding the program is really one of the more gratifying things that I’ve had the opportunity to do. I knew the history of Harrison football and knew what it was capable of and felt confident that we could get it pointed in the right direction,” Wells said.

He credited the school administration with giving him resources necessary and hiring great assistant coaches enabling him to do that. As for the kids in the program Wells said the results speak for themselves.

“They did a great job,” he said.

The search for a new head coach will begin soon. Wells said that he won’t be on the selection committee officially but will certainly give his opinion.

Wells isn’t leaving the Goblin athletic program entirely. He is staying on as the Assistant Athletic Director under Chris Pratt and will coach the golf team.

Coach Pratt said that Wells has done an incredible job in his seven years and gotten the football program back to where Harrison has come to expect it to be.

Pratt said, “You know, it’s always good, as a coach, when you can leave on your own terms. So, we’re excited for him, but we’re also excited for us to get going and see what the future holds for us as well.”