After being released by Green Bay, Harlan was a coach and taught social studies at Milan High School in Minnesota.[3]
In 1954, Harlan was named head football coach at Glencoe High School, which had gone winless in the past two seasons.[2] In his first year with the team, Glencoe compiled a 3–5 record.[2] Harlan led them to the conference championship in 1955 with a 4–3–1 record.[2] He received "high praise" from the school administration for his efforts.[3]
In 1958, Harlan became the head football coach at the University of St. Thomas, succeeding Frank Deig.[2] Harlan ended up coaching twelve seasons for St. Thomas, before being fired in 1969 after posting a 1–9 record.[4]
Death
Harlan died on August 19, 1985, at the age of 57, following a brief illness.[5]