Massey takes over as head football coach at Shaw

RALEIGH – They say loyalty is priority.

Shaw University showed its loyalty as it named Robert Massey as its new head football coach. Massey has been with the Shaw program for the last five years, the last two as defensive coordinator. Massey becomes the fourth head coach since Shaw reinstated football in 2002.

"Coach Massey has proven himself as a coach and a loyal member of the Shaw family," said Shaw president Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancy. "This promotion is well earned and a sign that our strong tradition of football at Shaw continues."

Prior to coming to Shaw, Massey served as the interim head football coach at Livingstone College and as assistant coach, receivers coach and defensive back coach for his alma mater, North Carolina Central University. During his collegiate career at NCCU, Massey won several honors, including Black College All American, and first team All-CIAA.

"This is a dream job for me," said Massey. "I'm devoted to the Shaw program and am proud that Shaw had the faith in me to continue what we've started here. There is a tradition of not just winning, but of winning championships, and that's something I'm dedicated to continuing."

He began his coaching career with the New York Giants as an assistant defensive back coach before moving to Hillside High School in Durham, N.C. where he served as both assistant and head football coach.

Before coaching, Massey completed ten years as a defensive back in the NFL. He was drafted in 1989 in the second round (46th pick overall) by the New Orleans Saints. That season he was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team and was the Saints' Rookie of the Year.

He then moved to the Phoenix Cardinals, where he was named to the 1992 NFC Pro Bowl. He also played for the Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Giants, where he completed his NFL career.

Massey has been a part of three CIAA Championship teams at Shaw and takes the helm from Darrell Asberry, who accepted the head coaching position at Texas Southern. The Bears last won the 2010 CIAA Championship and finished last season with a 3-7 record.