Nicholls State University

Steve Adams is in his second season as the Colonels’ safeties coach and first as defensive coordinator. Last season, Adams served as the special teams coordinator.

Under Adams’ direction last year, kick returner Carey Fortson ranked among the NCAA leaders in return yards, averaging 25.5 yards with one touchdown.

Prior to Nicholls, Adams spent two years coaching at Concord University. While at Concord, he served as the Mountain Lions’ defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator as well as the special teams coordinator in 2011 and co-special teams coordinator in 2012. In his last season, the Mountain Lions ranked in the nation’s top 10 in scoring defense (17.2 ppg/9th) and pass defense (163.3 ypg/7th), while finishing 13th in the NCAA Division-II in total defense (293.9). All four of his starting defensive backs earned all-conference honors – including first-team All-American Riyahd Richarson - which led to his promotion to co-defensive coordinator at the completion of the season.

In 2011, he also acted as special teams coordinator, helping lead Concord to a conference championship. The defense also finished with high marks in that season, ranking fifth in turnover margin (+1.4) and sixth in interceptions (22). Three defensive backs earned All-WVIAC honors, with two players also earning All-Region accolades.

Before joining Concord, Adams had stints with Purdue University (quality control - 2010), University of Louisville (director of football ops/quality control – 2007-09) and Western Kentucky University (assistant defensive backs coach 2004-06). He earned his bachelor’s degree from WKU where he lettered three years as a strong safety. Along with being part of the Hilltoppers team that reached the NCAA Division I-AA national quarterfinals in 1997, Adams earned a spot on WKU’s Dean’s List and was on the Sun Belt Conference Academic Honor Roll from 1998-2000.

Adams and his wife, Sonnee Stanley, reside in Thibodaux.