Sam Shade Takes the Helm at Alabama A&M FOOTBALL AS HEAD COACH: A Proven Winner Ready to Build
Alabama A&M University has officially welcomed Sam Shade as its new head football coach, which has energized the Bulldog faithful with hopes of continued success on “The Hill.” Shade, whose coaching career spans high school, collegiate, and professional football, was introduced Monday during an enthusiastic press conference at the AAMU Event Center.
“We’re very excited today to have the opportunity to announce another major pillar in this historic moment of Alabama Agriculture and Mechanical University,” AAMU President Dr. Daniel K. Wims stated. “Coach Shade is the ideal fit for our ecosystem and embodies the fiber and flavor of our university.”
A Proven Track Record of Success
Shade arrives at AAMU following a standout tenure at Miles College, where he led the Golden Bears to the 2024 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) championship and an appearance in the NCAA Division II playoffs. Over three seasons at Miles, Shade compiled an 18-15 overall record and a 15-7 mark in conference play. His leadership transformed the program, improving from a 1-9 season in his debut year to a 7-3 finish in 2023, which included a historic win over Division I FCS opponent Alabama State.
Prior to Miles, Shade achieved tremendous success at Pinson Valley High School, guiding the program to an Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 6A state championship in his first season as head coach in 2020. His ability to build winning programs has cemented his reputation as a transformative leader.
“Coach Shade checked off all the boxes during our national search,” AAMU Athletic Director Dr. Paul A. Bryant said. “He is a winner at all levels, a champion as both a player and a coach, and someone who will bring great energy to our program. This is a new and exciting chapter for Alabama A&M.”
A Stellar Playing Career
Before entering the coaching ranks, Shade made his mark as a player. A Birmingham native and graduate of Wenonah High School, Shade earned a business administration and finance degree from the University of Alabama, where he was a captain of the Crimson Tide and a member of the 1992 national championship team. Selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round of the 1995 NFL Draft, Shade enjoyed an eight-year NFL career, also playing for the Washington Redskins. Known for his toughness and reliability, Shade led the Bengals in tackles in 1997 and the Redskins in 1999.
Shade was grateful for his time at Miles College. “Doctor Bobbie Knight, she gave me an opportunity to be a college head football coach before anybody else did,” Shade added. “And I’ll always be grateful for that and very appreciative. Miles College will always hold a special place for me, and I wish them the best.”
“I want to give thanks to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ because without Him, I would not be here,” Shade said. “I am above thankful and humbled to be here today. I am excited for this opportunity and to be here on The Hill. Every day is a great day to be an Alabama A&M Bulldog, and I am so proud to be one. The chase is on. Let’s go hunt and Go Bulldogs!”
As Shade steps into his role at Alabama A&M, fans and alumni eagerly anticipate the continuation of the Bulldogs’ legacy of excellence. With his wealth of experience, proven leadership, and a track record of success at every level, the program’s future looks bright under his guidance.
