Notre Dame College Athletics

Harlen Jacobs joined the Notre Dame College football coaching staff prior to the 2017 season as the team's Special Teams Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach. Prior to the 2018 season, he was named Co-Defensive Coordinator.

The 2018 season was the most successful in Notre Dame history, and Jacobs's defense was a big part of the team's run to the NCAA DII Semifinals. In his first season as NDC's Co-Defensive Coordinator, his team ranked first in the country in red-zone defense (.513) and fumble recoveries (20). The unit also ranked third in turnovers gained (34), third in sacks (50), fifth in rushing defense (82.9 yards allowed per game), and 15th in third-down defense (.296). 

NDC saw continued success in 2019, making an NCAA Quarterfinals appearance, and the defense played a big role. The Falcons ranked ninth in Division II rushing defense, allowing just 90.0 yards against on average. Notre Dame also ranked second in tackles for a loss (128) and ninth in sacks (40).

Jacobs's players have also seen a great deal of individual success as defensive lineman Sha'haun Williams led the NCAA DII in sacks (20.0) while defensive back Jeffrey Thomas led the country in broken-up passes (27) in 2018; both of those marks also rank in the top three in NCAA DII Single-Season history. As Co-Defensive Coordinator, Jacobs has led several players to multiple accolades that include 15 all-conference, five all-region and two All-American honors. In 2019, defensive back Bryce Sheppert was named MEC Defensive Freshman of the Year.  

In his first season, the NDC defense ranked second in the Mountain East Conference in yards allowed per pass (6.7) and ranked fourth in passing touchdowns allowed (18). Defensive backs played a major role in the 2017 defense as three of the top five tacklers on the team were DBs. Jacobs's group intercepted five passes and broke up 29 throws. 

As the Special Teams Coordinator in 2017, Jacobs's unit led the MEC in punt return average (17.6). Overall, NDC had two return touchdowns. Marvelle Ross was named All-MEC as a return specialist that year. 

Overall, Jacobs has led three defensive backs to all-conference honors and one to all-region selection.