Miles College head coach Sam Shade has been appointed as Alabama A&M’s next head coach, according to a statement released by the university on Sunday evening. Shade arrives at Alabama A&M after three successful seasons with the Golden Bears, where he led the team to a 2024 SIAC Championship and a berth in the NCAA Division II Playoffs.
“This is a new and exciting time to bring Coach Sam Shade to the Hill,” said Alabama A&M athletics director Paul A. Bryant in the statement. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and proven success to a program that’s ready to thrive. His extensive resources in the state and strong relationships with his players made him the perfect candidate for Alabama A&M University.”
Shade is a program builder who revitalized Miles College in just one season, transforming the team into one of the top Division II programs in the nation. He was hired in January 2022 and brought with him valuable experience, including his time as a standout player at Alabama and his career in the NFL as both a player and coach. His résumé also includes notable roles at the high school and college levels, such as head coach at Pinson Valley High School and defensive backs coach at Georgia State.
Shade revitalized Miles College after a rough 1-9 season in his first year. He led the team to an impressive 7-3 record in 2023, with a signature 21-17 upset win over Alabama State. The season also included a narrow 21-20 loss to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff—just missing the chance to become the first Division II head coach to defeat two FCS teams in a single season, let alone in consecutive games.
In 2024, Miles went undefeated in conference play and boasted one of the top defenses in the nation, ranking first in scoring defense, run defense, interceptions, sacks, and forced fumbles. The Golden Bears won the SIAC Championship against Clark Atlanta University and made their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division II Playoffs. Although they lost 33-17 to Valdosta State, they made history by securing their first-ever playoff victory with a 14-13 defensive win over Carson-Newman.
Shade takes over from former head coach Connell Maynor, who led Alabama A&M from 2018. Maynor’s tenure was marked by steady progress, culminating in the Spring 2021 SWAC Championship and a 7-3 season behind star quarterback Aqeel Glass. However, his tenure since 2022 has been less successful, with a 15-19 record and no victories over SWAC East rivals Jackson State, Alabama State, or Florida A&M.
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