Wallace Cooper joined the Shaw University football staff in the spring of 2026, bringing a strong background in player development, defensive coaching and championship-level experience to the Bears program.
A New Jersey native and former NCAA Division I student-athlete, Cooper played linebacker at North Carolina Central University, where he was a member of two MEAC championship teams before earning his degree in 2016.
Following his playing career, Cooper transitioned into coaching and has developed a reputation for building relationships, developing student-athletes and helping establish winning cultures at each stop.
Cooper spent two seasons at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, where he served as defensive coordinator and helped guide the Eagles to a state semifinal appearance and a state runner-up finish. Under his leadership, the Rabun Gap defense ranked among the best in the state, including a unit that led the state in multiple defensive categories. Cooper also played an important role in the development of a talented roster that produced more than a dozen NCAA Division I football players.
He later joined Montgomery Academy as special teams coordinator, helping the Eagles capture a region championship, post a 10-2 record and advance to the state quarterfinals.
Before joining Shaw, Cooper coached at Rolesville High School in North Carolina, working with one of the state's talent-rich programs. Rolesville finished 9-4 and advanced to the third round of the state playoffs during his tenure, while Cooper helped coach and develop several Division I prospects.
Throughout his coaching career, Cooper has worked with dozens of student-athletes who have gone on to compete at the Division I level. His coaching approach emphasizes player development, accountability, energy and relationship-building while maintaining a championship standard on and off the field.
From winning championships as a student-athlete at NCCU to helping develop high-level talent and contributing to successful programs as a coach, Cooper brings valuable experience back to the Triangle as a member of the Shaw University football staff.
