James Adams joined the Western Michigan coaching staff as cornerbacks coach on January 14, 2019.
During his first year in Kalamazoo, Adams guided sophomore cornerback Patrick Lupro to third team All-Mid-American Conference accolades. Lupro, who stepped in for the injured D’Wayne Eskridge during the fourth game of the season, was one of WMU’s most improved players throughout the campaign. He ended the year ranked fifth in the MAC in interceptions per game (0.25) and seventh in passes defended per game (0.83). Lupro paced the Broncos in interceptions despite not starting until week five.Â
Adams’ work with the cornerbacks helped the Broncos gain 22 turnovers, tied for the second most in the MAC. His group allowed WMU to intercept 13 passes after picking off nine during the 2018 season. Adams’ cornerbacks were at their best during the latter portion of the campaign, holding three of Western Michigan’s final five opponents to less than 150 passing yards. The Broncos surrendered more than 18 completions just twice in the last five games.
One of the highlights of WMU’s SERVPRO First Responder Bowl performance was turned in by Adams’ cornerback Kareem Ali, who returned an interception 88 yards for a touchdown. The play was the first interception return for a touchdown in a bowl game in program history, longest play in a bowl game in program history, longest play in SERVPRO First Responder Bowl history and the longest interception return in MAC bowl history, surpassing a 56-yard INT return for a TD by Central Michigan’s Doug Kress against Middle Tennessee State in the 2006 Motor City Bowl.
Adams previously was at Charlotte, where he was one of the five staff members to start the 49ers football program. He served as the team’s secondary coach from 2011-18. He also assisted with coaching special teams units including, kickoff, kickoff return, field goal block, punt and punt block.
In 2016 Charlotte led Conference USA with 16 interceptions (14th in NCAA DI) and ranked second in turnover margin (+8). He coached 2016 Freshman All-American, 2017 national leader in forced fumbles and 2018 team leader in tackles, Ben DeLuca.
In 2015, Adams oversaw a secondary that ranked fourth in C-USA in pass defense in the program’s first season at the FBS level. Charlotte ranked 25th in the FCS with 15 interceptions during the 49ers inaugural season of 2013. Charlotte added another 13 INTs in 2014. In 2015, Charlotte had 10 picks, led by CB Terrance Winchester who tied for first in C-USA with four interceptions.
In 2015, 49ers safety Desmond Cooper became the first Charlotte player to sign an NFL contract when he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. In 2016, safety Branden Dozier was invited to the Pittsburgh Steelers minicamp.
Adams was at Wofford as the cornerbacks coach from 2010 to 2011, helping the Terriers win the 2010 Southern Conference championship. Wofford ranked first in the SoCon in total defense and passing defense that season.
Prior to Wofford, Adams worked at Wake Forest as recruiting assistant in 2008 and offensive graduate assistant in 2009.
A former Wake Forest linebacker whose career was cut short by a knee injury, Adams graduated in 2006. A Durham, N.C., native, Adams attended Northern Durham High.
Adams and his wife, Tori, have a daughter, Londyn, and a son, Royce.
