Alabama football legend takes over FCS program
Sam Shade, a former Alabama football standout and national champion, has been chosen the new head coach of Alabama A&M University. Dr. Paul Bryant, Director of Athletics, made the announcement on the From the Hill Podcast, positioning Shade to lead the Bulldogs in their quest to reclaim prominence in the FCS and HBCU football environment.
Shade, who was instrumental in Alabama football’s success throughout his collegiate career, provides extensive expertise as both a player and a coach. Shade, a native of Birmingham, Alabama, helped the Crimson Tide win the national championship in 1992 before going on to play eight years in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals and Washington Redskins.
“People love people who played and attended Alabama,” Dr. Bryant added. “He’ll have another following that will be able to back some of the efforts that we needed at Alabama A&M.
Shade has developed a remarkable resume since shifting from playing to coaching. He was on the staffs of Samford University, Georgia State University, and the Cleveland Browns. At Pinson Valley High School, he led the program to a state championship, demonstrating his ability to construct successful teams. Shade most recently changed Miles College’s football program, leading the club from 1-9 in 2022 to 10-3 and a Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) championship in 2024. Under his guidance, the Golden Bears advanced to the
Shade’s connections to Alabama football and the state itself influenced Alabama A&M’s selection. Dr. Bryant emphasized Shade’s capacity to attract great talent across the region. “Sam has extensive contacts throughout Alabama and a proven track record of identifying and developing players. His experience with Alabama football and his efforts at Miles College demonstrate that he understands what it takes to develop a championship program.
Shade’s experience at HBCUs, in addition to his football expertise, played an important role in his employment.
For Sam Shade, taking over the Alabama A&M program is an opportunity to make an impact in the FCS. With the Bulldogs eager to win again, Shade’s leadership and Alabama football background give the program new hope.
“The resources, the hold in the state of Alabama is what sold us as well,” Bryant went onto say. “He has huge resources in Alabama, where he recruits from all across the state. And he has contacts everywhere. And then not only in the state, but throughout the country.”
Alabama A&M fans and alumni are eager to see what the future holds under the leadership of the former Alabama football standout, as Shade prepares to bring his championship attitude to Huntsville.
