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University of Massachusets Athletics
Football
James, Micah
Micah James
- Title:
- Offensive Line Coach
- Email:
- micahjames@umass.edu
- Phone:
- 545-2026
Year At Massachusetts: Second
Alma Mater: Middle Tennessee State '12
University of Massachusetts football head coach Walt Bell announced the addition of Micah James to the football staff on Jan. 31, 2019. A graduate of Bell’s alma mater, Middle Tennessee State, James assists offensive line coach Jim Jackson.
“I am honored to be a part of the coaching staff at UMass under the leadership of my long-time mentor and friend, Walt Bell,” James said. “I’ve had the opportunity for the last five years to witness Coach Bell’s work ethic and dedication. He has served as a shinning example of what true leadership looks like. I look forward to partnering with Coach (Jim) Jackson to bring excellence to the offensive line and to be a part of the outstanding coaching team that Walt has assembled. I am excited about our future and making the vision Coach Bell has cast for UMass a reality.”
James worked with Jackson and the entire offensive line unit throughout the 2019 season. The group cut down on their sacks allowed by 69.2 percent despite needing to replace four starters from the year prior and suffering numerous injuries which led the group to start nine different players.
James joined the Massachusetts staff following graduate assistantships at Arkansas State during the 2015 and 2016 seasons, at Maryland in 2017 and at UCF during 2018.
“I’m glad Micah shares my vision for this program,” Bell said. “He will undoubtedly help us develop our offensive line group alongside Jim Jackson, with an emphasis on the run game. He is a great mentor and teacher.”
James’ work with UCF included time spent coaching the offensive side of the game as the No. 12 nationally ranked Knights went 12-1 overall, swept its eight-game American Athletic Conference schedule, won the AAC Championship Game and earned a spot in the Fiesta Bowl.
During his season with the Terrapins, James worked on the offensive side of the ball alongside Bell and assisted in the development of receiver D.J. Moore. With James’ help, Moore eared All-Big Ten First Team and ranked ninth in the country for receptions per game (6.7).
James arrived at A-State after completing an All-Sun Belt Conference playing career at Middle Tennessee State University in 2012, which was followed by an invitation to participate in the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys’ rookie mini-camps in 2013.
James was voted one of five permanent team captains as a senior and then selected first team All-Sun Belt Conference after helping the Blue Raiders to an 8-4 regular season record.
The 2012 campaign saw James start all 12 games at center, and he was third among linemen with 844 total snaps. He was part of a line that ranked second nationally in fewest sacks allowed and paved the way for three different 100-yard rushers. He collected 78 knockdowns, including a season-high 10 against Memphis and Western Kentucky.
James earned his bachelor’s degree in general studies with an emphasis in criminal justice and coaching from Middle Tennessee in 2012. He achieved his associates degree in 2010 from Georgia Military before transferring to MTSU.
James transferred to MTSU in 2011 after playing at Georgia Military as a freshman and sophomore in 2009 and 2010. His sophomore season saw him start all nine games on a team that went 6-3.
A Hoschton, Georgia, native, James earned first team all-region and all-county honors while playing at Mill Creek High School. He participated in the 2009 Gwinnett County All-Star Game, and also lettered in track.
Alma Mater: Middle Tennessee State '12
University of Massachusetts football head coach Walt Bell announced the addition of Micah James to the football staff on Jan. 31, 2019. A graduate of Bell’s alma mater, Middle Tennessee State, James assists offensive line coach Jim Jackson.
“I am honored to be a part of the coaching staff at UMass under the leadership of my long-time mentor and friend, Walt Bell,” James said. “I’ve had the opportunity for the last five years to witness Coach Bell’s work ethic and dedication. He has served as a shinning example of what true leadership looks like. I look forward to partnering with Coach (Jim) Jackson to bring excellence to the offensive line and to be a part of the outstanding coaching team that Walt has assembled. I am excited about our future and making the vision Coach Bell has cast for UMass a reality.”
James worked with Jackson and the entire offensive line unit throughout the 2019 season. The group cut down on their sacks allowed by 69.2 percent despite needing to replace four starters from the year prior and suffering numerous injuries which led the group to start nine different players.
James joined the Massachusetts staff following graduate assistantships at Arkansas State during the 2015 and 2016 seasons, at Maryland in 2017 and at UCF during 2018.
“I’m glad Micah shares my vision for this program,” Bell said. “He will undoubtedly help us develop our offensive line group alongside Jim Jackson, with an emphasis on the run game. He is a great mentor and teacher.”
James’ work with UCF included time spent coaching the offensive side of the game as the No. 12 nationally ranked Knights went 12-1 overall, swept its eight-game American Athletic Conference schedule, won the AAC Championship Game and earned a spot in the Fiesta Bowl.
During his season with the Terrapins, James worked on the offensive side of the ball alongside Bell and assisted in the development of receiver D.J. Moore. With James’ help, Moore eared All-Big Ten First Team and ranked ninth in the country for receptions per game (6.7).
James arrived at A-State after completing an All-Sun Belt Conference playing career at Middle Tennessee State University in 2012, which was followed by an invitation to participate in the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys’ rookie mini-camps in 2013.
James was voted one of five permanent team captains as a senior and then selected first team All-Sun Belt Conference after helping the Blue Raiders to an 8-4 regular season record.
The 2012 campaign saw James start all 12 games at center, and he was third among linemen with 844 total snaps. He was part of a line that ranked second nationally in fewest sacks allowed and paved the way for three different 100-yard rushers. He collected 78 knockdowns, including a season-high 10 against Memphis and Western Kentucky.
James earned his bachelor’s degree in general studies with an emphasis in criminal justice and coaching from Middle Tennessee in 2012. He achieved his associates degree in 2010 from Georgia Military before transferring to MTSU.
James transferred to MTSU in 2011 after playing at Georgia Military as a freshman and sophomore in 2009 and 2010. His sophomore season saw him start all nine games on a team that went 6-3.
A Hoschton, Georgia, native, James earned first team all-region and all-county honors while playing at Mill Creek High School. He participated in the 2009 Gwinnett County All-Star Game, and also lettered in track.
| Micah James • Season-By-Season Coaching History |
| 2015-16 • Arkansas State • Graduate Assistant (Offense) |
| 2017 • Maryland • Graduate Assistant (Offense) |
| 2018 • UCF • Graduate Assistant (Offense) |
| 2019-Present • Massachusetts • Co-Offensive Line Coach |
| Micah James • Bowl Game History |
| 2015 • Arkansas State • Camellia Bowl |
| 2016 • Arkansas State • Cure Bowl |
| 2018 • UCF • Fiesta Bowl |
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