RALEIGH — Former N.C. Central University star Robert Massey has been promoted from defensive coordinator to head football coach by Shaw University.
“Coach Massey has proven himself as a coach and a loyal member of the Shaw family,” Shaw president Dorothy Cowser Yancy said. “This promotion is well-earned and a sign that our strong tradition of football at Shaw continues.”
“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.”
Massey has served on the Shaw coaching staff for five years, the last two as defensive coordinator. In his first year as defensive coordinator, the Bears won the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championship, in large part because of Massey’s “bend, don’t break” defense.
Prior to coming to Shaw, Massey served as the interim head coach at Livingstone College and as assistant coach, receivers coach and defensive back coach for his alma mater, NCCU. During his collegiate career at NCCU, Massey won several honors, including Black Collegiate All American, All CIAA 1st team and All CIAA Defensive Back.
He began his coaching career with the New York Giants as an assistant defensive back coach before moving to Hillside High School in Durham. where he served as both assistant and head football coach.
Before coaching, Massey completed l ten years as a Pro Bowl defensive back in the National Football League. He was drafted in 1989 in the second round (46th pick overall) by the New Orleans Saints and 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 team. He also played for the Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Giants, where he completed his NFL career.
It was then that he joined the Giants’ staff as assistant defensive backs coach.
Massey replaces Darrell Asberry, who accepted the head coaching position at Division I Texas Southern. The Bears won the 2010 CIAA Championship, but finished last season with a 3-7 record.
The Bears open play in 2012 with a trip to Charleston, W.Va., to take on the University of Charleston on Aug. 30.
For more information on Shaw athletics, visit www.shawbears.com.
