Samford University Athletics

Sam Shade is in his seventh season as an assistant coach at Samford. He has coached the
Bulldogs’ cornerbacks for his entire time on the staff, and in 2014, was put in charge of the squad’s special teams and was named the defensive passing game coordinator as well.
        
Shade’s 2014 secondary led the nation in passing yards allowed per game (139.1 ypg.). The unit also led the Southern Conference and ranked seventh nationally in pass efficiency defense. (101.96).
        
Individually, James Bradberry earned All-SoCon honors following the 2014 season. Entering the 2015 season, Bradberry has also been named a preseason All-American. Punter Greg Peranich was also named All-SoCon following the 2014 season.
        
In 2011, Shade worked with the secondary that ranked third in the Southern Conference in
pass defense. Shade also tutored 2012 NFL Draft pick Corey White.
        
Shade came to Samford after serving as a volunteer coach at Briarwood Christian School since 2004. He coached the defensive backs, helping lead the team to a 5A state runner-up finish and a 14-1 overall record. During his time at the school, he coached former Samford player Will Tumlin and former Furman player Matthew Gordon.
    
Shade played in the National Football League from 1995 to 2003. He played for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1995 to 1999. Shade led the Bengals in tackles in 1997 and was second in the category in 1998. For his last two seasons in Cincinnati, his defensive coordinator was NFL Hall of Fame coach Dick LeBeau.
    
Shade played for the Washington Redskins from 1999 to 2003 for three different head coaches (Norv Turner, Marty Shottenheimer and Steve Spurrier). He also played for three defensive coordinators (Mike Nolan, Ray Rhodes and Marvin Lewis).
  
In April of 2000, Shade won the Redskins’ Unsung Hero Award for on-thefield commitment and community service accomplishment. In the summers of 2000 to 2005, Shade held youth football camps in Washington and Birmingham. He also worked as a color commentator for the NBC Network from 2003 to 2004.
    
Shade played college football at the University of Alabama from 1991 to 1994. He was a member of the 1992 national championship team, and he was named a permanent captain as a senior in 1994. At the conclusion of his playing career, Shade was drafted by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 1995 NFL Draft.
    
A Birmingham native, Shade attended Wenonah High School and was named a Bryant-Jordan Scholar Athlete award winner following his senior year.
    
Shade and his wife, Jacquetta, have four children: sons Justin and Jacoby, and daughters Jaila and Jamyia. His oldest son, Justin, graduated from Samford in 2014 after playing four seasons for the Bulldogs.