Prior to taking the position at Utah, he was the athletic director at the University of South Florida.
The Utes earned their highest finish in the LEARFIELD Director's Cup in 2022-23 and won a school-record 10 conference championships, while Harlan was named Cushman & Wakefield A.D. of the Year by NACDA.
Harlan left USF to become the athletic director of the University of Utah in June 2018.
USF released a statement that in part read they and the NCAA “are working together to investigate and resolve an inquiry into potential violations of NCAA bylaws and university standards….” Harlan was criticized for his ethical character and mismanagement.
[8] After a November 9, 2024 matchup between Utah and Brigham Young University's football teams Harlan came under fire because he entered the field of play during a live kickoff return to berate the Big 12 officiating crew over a defensive holding penalty that extended BYU's final drive that ultimately won them the game.