Sharrieff Shah

Biography

Associate Head Coach/Cornerbacks/Special Teams Coordinator 15th Year Sharrieff Shah enters his 15th season coaching the Utah cornerbacks, eighth year as special teams coordinator, while also adding associate head coach to his role in 2026. His first foray into special teams came as co-coordinator during the 2016-18 seasons. Nationally respected for his ability to evolve with the game, Shah was cited by ESPN.com in 2014 as one of “10 coaches who adapt and thrive.” He has helped his players do the same, developing five cornerback converts into NFL players. Shah has a long-running reputation of developing top pass defenders. During his tenure leading the Utes corners, 12 All-Conference accolades have been earned—headlined by 2022 unanimous All-America choice, Jim Thorpe Award finalist and fourth-round NFL Draft pick Clark Phillips III. Shah's 2025 group was led by Second Team All-Conference selection, Smith Snowden, who tied for fourth in the Big 12 with 11 passes defended. The Utah cornerbacks also helped limit opponents' progress through the air, ranking No. 5 in the FBS in passing efficiency defense, 15th in interceptions (14) and 16th in scoring defense. The Utes kicked off a new era in 2024 with the program’s entry into the Big 12 Conference. Led at cornerback by Zemaiah Vaughn, the team ranked 19th in the nation and third in the Big 12 with a pass efficiency defense of 112.20. The Utes also were third in the league at 20.7 points per game. With Shah mentoring him over five