Alabama A&M University has announced Sam Shade as the new head football coach for the Bulldogs, following a successful tenure at Miles College, where he led the team to its first SIAC championship and a playoff appearance. AAMU Director of Athletics Dr. Paul A. Bryant made the announcement during a special episode of the “From the Hill” podcast on Dec. 29.

Shade, who brings an impressive coaching resume and a wealth of experience from playing in the NFL, is expected to elevate the Bulldogs’ football program. Dr. Bryant emphasized Shade’s unique qualifications: “Not only do we have someone that has played at the highest level, won a national title at the NCAA level, also coached and have coached at several levels. I was so excited to have him on on campus and be able to speak to him. And then he’s been at an HBCU,” said Bryant. “That is important for us as we look at who we want to lead our program.”

Shade Before The Hill

At 51 years old, Shade joins Alabama A&M after compiling an 18-15 overall record at Miles College, where he guided the Golden Bears to a 10-3 season and a perfect 8-0 conference record in 2024. Under his leadership, Miles achieved significant milestones, including the program’s first playoff victory and a historic win over Alabama State, a Division I FCS opponent.

Shade, a Birmingham native, began his career in football at the University of Alabama, where he was part of the 1992 national championship team and later became a team captain. He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round of the 1995 NFL Draft and played eight seasons in the NFL with the Bengals and Washington Redskins.

In addition to his successes at the collegiate level, Shade has a background as a high school coach, having won a state championship at Pinson Valley High School in 2020. 

The AAMU Athletic Department will soon announce the date and time of Coach Shade’s official introductory press conference. As Alabama A&M looks toward the future, Shade’s appointment signals a new chapter of potential and promise for the Bulldogs’ football team.