Shawn Gibbs Returns to North Carolina A&T as Head Football Coach
GREENSBORO, NC – North Carolina A&T State University announces the return of Shawn Gibbs, this time as the 23rd head football coach in the storied history of the Aggies football program. A&T Director of Athletics Earl M. Hilton III shared the news on Friday (Dec. 6), marking a significant homecoming for Gibbs, who previously spent over a decade as an integral member of the Aggies’ coaching staff.
An introductory press conference for Coach Gibbs is scheduled for Wednesday, December 18, at 11:30 a.m. in the Deese Ballroom at the A&T Student Center.
A native of Black Mountain, N.C., Gibbs brings a wealth of experience, passion, and success to his new role. During his time as A&T’s running backs and special teams coach under head coaches Rod Broadway (2011-17) and Sam Washington (2018-2021), the Aggies earned a reputation as “Running Back U,” capturing multiple Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) championships and securing the 2015 and 2017-2019 Celebration Bowl titles.
Gibbs takes over from Vincent Brown after a successful three-year stint as head coach at Fort Valley State University (FVSU), where he amassed a 22-9 record, including two consecutive eight-win seasons—an accomplishment not achieved at FVSU in over two decades. Under his leadership, the Wildcats won the 2023 Florida Beach Bowl, solidifying his status as a proven leader and tactician.
“Welcome Back, Coach Gibbs”
Director of Athletics Hilton expressed his enthusiasm for Gibbs’ return:
“We are excited for Shawn to come back home to Aggieland. He played a vital role in shaping some of the greatest players and moments in our football history. His proven ability to develop talent, inspire excellence, and uphold the Aggie standard makes him the ideal choice to lead this program forward.”
During his tenure as an assistant coach, Gibbs worked with standout players, including Tarik Cohen, a three-time MEAC Offensive Player of the Year, MEAC’s all-time leading rusher, and NFL All-Pro. His coaching pedigree extends to other Aggie legends like Mike Mayhew, Marquell Cartwright, and Jah-Maine Martin, as well as record-setting return specialists Kris Gardin and Celebration Bowl hero Malik Wilson.
“A Dream Come True”
Gibbs shared his excitement about returning to A&T:
“It is a dream come true for me to accept the position of head football coach at North Carolina A&T. Greensboro holds a special place in my heart, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead this historic program. My family and I are thrilled to be back, and I am eager to get to work building on the incredible legacy of Aggies football.”
Before his time at A&T, he served 2007-10 as Grambling State University’s running backs coach under Broadway. Gibbs also served as running back coach at his alma mater, North Carolina Central University (NCCU), under Broadway from 2003-06. During his time there, NCCU won consecutive CIAA titles in 2005 and 2006.
A standout back during his college years at NCCU (1993-97), he rushed for 1,687 career yards and averaged 5.1 yards per carry. Gibbs tied the school record for longest rushing touchdown from scrimmage in 1996 when he went 89 yards against Fayetteville State.
As head coach, Gibbs will oversee a program steeped in tradition and poised for continued success. With his leadership, the Aggies aim to strengthen their reputation as one of the premier football programs in the nation.
Save the Date
Fans are encouraged to join the Aggies family in welcoming Coach Gibbs during the introductory press conference on December 18.
Feature photo: Courtesy of CAA Sports