NCAA Champion and NFL Veteran Brings Winning Pedigree to The Hill

Alabama A&M University officially introduced Sam Shade as its 22nd head football coach during a news conference Monday at the Event Center. President Daniel K. Wims and Athletics Director Dr. Paul A. Bryant welcomed Shade, who brings an impressive resume, including a recent SIAC championship as head coach at Miles College and a standout playing career with Alabama’s 1992 national championship team and the NFL.

A Historic Moment

"Athletics is our front porch," said Wims. "It helps the rest of the house to function a little better, a little easier, with a little less stress. I’m very happy to congratulate Dr. Paul Bryant, his staff, and the committee members for their attention to detail in this process to make sure that we landed on a person that would fit the ecosystem, the fabric and fiber and flavor of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University.”

Bryant echoed Wims’ sentiments, emphasizing the thorough national search process.

“He checked all the boxes: collegiate and professional playing experience, high school and college coaching success, HBCU experience, and local recruiting expertise. He’s a winner – a champion as both a player and a coach.”

Shade’s Vision for Excellence

In his introduction, Shade shared his goals for the football program, “Ultimately, my vision for the Alabama A&M University football program is to develop a championship football program on and off the field that graduates its football student-athletes at a very high rate.”

Shade then outlined clear goals that were met with enthusiastic applause.

“The first one is to win the game played at Legion Field in Birmingham," said Shade. “The second one is to win the SWAC East. The third is to win the SWAC Championship game and host it at Louis Crews Stadium. The last is to win the Celebration Bowl, the Black College National Championship.”

Core Values: DA CHASE 2025

Shade also introduced his program’s core values he called the ‘Da Chase 2025.’

“Da Chase will always be on,” he said. “We’re always chasing perfection in the classroom, on the field, in the community.”

• D - Discipline: “Everything we do in this program will start with discipline.”
• A - Accountability: “We have to be accountable for this program and to ourselves.”
• C - Character: “We want our players to work on doing what they’re supposed to do when nobody’s watching.”
• H - Habits: “We become whatever our habits are. If we have championship habits, we will become champions on and off the field.”
• A - Attitude: “We’ve got to have great attitudes as players. I always ask, ‘Where else would you rather be?’ If you’re a player or coach and you have that passion, desire, and love for the game, you’re going to say, ‘Right here, right now!’”
• S - Sacrifice: “Only seven percent of high school student-athletes play college football. That’s a very small number. There’s a reason for that. Everybody can’t do it. It takes sacrifice.”
• E - Excellence: “Expect excellence out of your teammates and your coaches. Strive for excellence for yourself each and every day.”

A Call to Action

Shade concluded by encouraging fans, alumni, boosters, and the community to rally behind the program. “I expect you all to support this football program in every way you possibly can. You can start by coming out to the Spring Football Game. We will set that date soon. Buy your season tickets and show up for every game. Show up and show out as a fan base. Give this football program and this University the love and respect it deserves. Talk proudly and positively about Alabama A&M University and its football program.”

He also pledged to connect with the local community, saying, “Our football program will get out and engage with you in community service events, and give our time to young people in this community. To the boosters, donors, and alumni groups – I’m coming to see you.”

More: https://aamusports.com/