Kuharich coached at Temple, Illinois State and California in the late 1970s early 80s before becoming offensive coordinator of the San Antonio Gunslingers in 1983. He held the same position with the Oakland Invaders and Calgary Stampeders before becoming the Stampeders head coach in 1987. In 1990, Kuharich became the head coach of the BC Lions. Both he and GM Joe Kapp worked to acquire big-name players, including Doug Flutie, Major Harris, and Mark Gastineau. Although Flutie played well, Gastineau only appeared in 4 games and Harris spent most of the season on the bench. After a rough 2–7–1 start he was fired along with Joe Kapp.