Former University of Alabama-Birmingham assistant coach Jamie Graham named Lipscomb Academy head football coach
Kim Chaudoin |
Former University of Alabama-Birmingham assistant coach Jamie Graham has been named Lipscomb Academy’s head football coach.
This past season, Graham served as offensive analyst for the University of Alabama-Birmingham Blazers. He will officially begin his work with Lipscomb Academy on Dec. 6. He will lead a Mustang football program that has a tradition of success with five state championships and five state runner-up honors. In addition to varsity head coaching duties, Graham will oversee all of Lipscomb Academy’s football teams and player development programs at all grade levels.
“It has become crystal clear what our school, players and community are seeking in a coach and we have spent the last several weeks identifying the candidate who has the unique ability to build a positive culture, invest in relationships, exude enthusiasm, clearly communicate expectation, and grow Godly men while also living up to the high expectations surrounding our football program,” said Brad Schultz, Lipscomb Academy head of school. “This is a tall order, but we have found just the person for the job.”
Graham is returning home to Nashville. He is a native of Nashville and played football at Vanderbilt University.
“I’m humbled and honored to come back and be a part of the Lipscomb Academy family once again. There is an incredible existing foundation to build upon for not only football success but more importantly creating great men of Christ to lead this community, the city of Nashville and the world into the future,” stated Graham. “I believe God has led me here at this moment to continue the legacy Lipscomb has created. We will use football to develop these young men into great husbands, fathers, and business and community leaders with a Christ-centered focus. And we will be relentless in our pursuit to win the day in our faith, academics, respect for others, and winning state titles. Or as my Granny always told me, ‘Bible, Books, Ball!’”
Graham’s experience as a successful player at Vanderbilt University and the University of California Los Angeles and as a high school coach in two different programs gives him skilled knowledge not only of the game but also about how to develop players to pursue their individual goals as well.
“Coach Graham’s experience at the high school and collegiate coaching levels and his previous tenure with the Mustang football program coupled with his passion for shaping young men of character and faith make him an ideal fit to lead Lipscomb Academy’s football program,” said Dr. Candice McQueen, president of Lipscomb University, of which Lipscomb Academy is a part. “His strong commitment to our Christ-centered mission and to inspiring our student athletes to deliver their best on the playing field and in the classroom. I look forward to the impact he will have on our program and school.”
Graham has seven years of coaching experience, most recently with the UAB Blazers (2023). Prior to his work with the Blazers, Graham served as offensive coordinator, pass game coordinator, and wide receiver coach with Lipscomb Academy Mustangs (2019-2022). During his tenure with the Mustangs, he helped coach the team to two consecutive two state championship seasons and one runner-up. He started his coaching career with the Hillsboro High School Burros as defensive back coach (2017-2019). Graham is also a former Professional Indoor Football League player. He was a wide receiver with the Nashville Venom (2014-15).
“I am confident that under the leadership of Coach Graham, the football program will continue building on its strong foundation,” said Lipscomb Academy athletic director Jake House. “We have exceptional student-athletes, enhanced training facilities, skilled football and athletics staff and administration, and the longevity of an institution dedicated to the holistic approach to developing student-athletes from the inside out, which are solid blocks upon which to continue to build this program.”
In addition to football, Graham was also a talented basketball student-athlete. At Whites Creek High School in Nashville, he scored over 1,500 career points and led the school to state tournament appearances in 2006 and 2007. Graham became Whites Creek High School’s first student to receive the prestigious William Hume Award from Nashville city schools for outstanding accomplishment by a football scholar athlete. At Vanderbilt, Graham was the only player in the Southeastern Conference to be on a football and men’s basketball roster in 2008, and he was the first player to play both sports at Vanderbilt since 1994-95. Graham is also the founder of Grinding Stars Pro Training, a personal training business for athletes of all ages. Through this program, he has trained NFL and collegiate football players.
Coach Graham has a Bachelor of Science degree in educational studies from Vanderbilt University with a concentration in special education.
Lipscomb Academy is a 2-year-old through 12th grade college preparatory school with an enrollment of almost 1,400 students located in Nashville, Tennessee. For more information about the Lipscomb Academy, visit www.lipscombacademy.org.