Bob Harris, Legendary Radio Voice of Duke Athletics, Dies at 81

Duke Athletics Hall of Fame broadcaster Bob Harris passed away on June 12, 2024, at age 81.

Harris was the radio voice for Duke football and men’s basketball for 41 years before he retired in 2017.

Nina King, Duke’s Vice President & Director of Athletics, expressed deep sadness at Harris’s passing and extended condolences to his family. She praised his professional representation of Duke and noted his lasting legacy.

Harris, a three-time North Carolina Broadcaster of the Year, covered 471 consecutive Duke football games starting in 1976 and ending in 2016.

He called six bowl games and Duke’s notable appearances, including a game in Tokyo and the ACC Championship.

In basketball, Harris broadcasted 1,392 games, including 13 NCAA Final Fours and 10 championship games, witnessing all five of Duke’s national titles. He also called 16 ACC Tournament championships.

Former Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski said Duke lost a great treasure in Harris. He remembered Harris not just as a broadcaster but as a beloved family member and friend.

Harris, from Albemarle, N.C., was the longest-tenured play-by-play announcer in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He was inducted into multiple Halls of Fame and received the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2016 for his service to North Carolina.

Harris started his broadcasting career in 1967 and later served in various leadership roles within sports media organizations. He published his autobiography in 2010 and was active in charitable work.

Harris is survived by his wife Phyllis, their daughter Bobbi, son-in-law Ron, and two grandchildren.