Joe Davidson, a veteran of 40 years in college athletics, is in his second season as head women's golf coach at Samford University.
"Joe Davidson has served Samford University in many ways over the last several years and we appreciate him taking on this new interim role during these unprecedented times.," Director of Athletics Martin Newton said. "He has a tremendous amount of experience in all areas of athletics, including being a former D1 golf coach and his leadership will benefit our women's golf program and our outstanding student-athletes greatly. Joe has meant a great deal to Samford Athletics and we are appreciative to him for moving into this new position."
While the majority of Davidson's career in athletics has been in administrative roles, he served as the head men's golf coach at UAB for nine seasons from 1981 to 1989. He also taught a golf class at UAB for 35 years.
Davidson has worked in the Samford Athletics Department as the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Facilities and Operations since April of 2016. In addition to his oversight of the facilities and operations staff, Davidson has served on Newton's Senior Leadership Team for the department.
"I want to thank Martin Newton for giving me this opportunity," Davidson said. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Samford University and am excited to be stepping into this new role. The game of golf has always been a big part of my life and I look forward to the opportunity to teach this great game to the outstanding young ladies on our squad."
Before working in the Samford Athletics Department in 2016, Davidson served as the Samford University Facility and Safety Coordinator from 2012 to 2016.
Prior to coming to Samford, Davidson worked at his alma mater, UAB, as the facility coordinator for housing and residential life from 2009 to 2011. He served in sales and marketing for ESPN Regional in Charlotte from 2007 to 2009, working with The ESPN National Golf Challenge.
Davidson served as the executive director of alumni affairs at UAB from 2000 to 2004. He was the director of athletics at Jacksonville State University from 1998 to 2000, overseeing a $3.5 million budget and a staff of 70.
Prior to being named AD at Jacksonville State, Davidson spent 18 years working in athletics at UAB from 1980 to 1998. During his original sting with the Blazers, Davidson served in the roles of graduate assistant, coordinator of athletic academic services, head men's golf coach, athletic ticket manager, assistant athletic director for business and associate athletic director.
In addition to his work in athletics, Davidson also worked as an instructor at UAB in special studies, school of education and graduate school for athletic facilities and management, and athletic administration.
Davidson owns two degrees from UAB. He earned a B.S. in Education in 1981 and a Master's in Education with an emphasis on Athletic/Sports Administration in 1983.
