Who is James Adams? Closer look at Michigan State's new safeties coach

The Michigan State Spartans have appointed defensive specialist James Adams as their new safeties coach. Adams and Jon Boyer are the two new assistants who have been added to head coach Jonathan Smith's coaching staff.

Who is James Adams?

James Adams is a Wake Forest product and a 16-year coaching veteran. Adams started his coaching career as a graduate assistant with the Demon Deacons in 2009. He excelled in the role and soon joined the coaching staff at Wofford in 2010.

Adams remained with Wofford until Charlotte recruited him. He joined Charlotte in 2011 and remained with the program until 2018. His next stop was the Navy Midshipmen in the 2020 season. Adams joined the Purdue Boilermakers for the 2021 season before he went back to his alma mater, Wake Forest, in 2022. He's since held the roles of safeties coach and associate head coach with the program.

Adams will replace Demetrice Martin, who departed for the UCLA Bruins after the 2024 college football season. The new MSU coach has developed NFL players like safeties - Desmond Cooper and Ben DeLuca and defensive backs - Sanoussi Kane, Malik Mustapha, and Chelen Garnes.

What's the task ahead for James Adams?

Adams is an elite recruiter and an experienced college football coach. He has spent years at several programs and will bring a new perspective to the Spartans. In addition to his role with the safeties, Adam will be crucial in the Spartans' quest to secure elite talents for the 2025 season and beyond.

The Spartans ended the 2024 college football season with a 5-7 record, largely due to their shaky defense. Adams will be tasked with working in tandem with defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Joe Rossi, secondary coach Blue Adams, and head coach Jonathan Smith to plug the holes on defense.

Their task next season starts with a matchup against the Western Michigan Broncos on August 30, 2025.