About

Yusuf Shakir’s Biography

Coach Shakir was inducted into the Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) Hall of Fame in 2024 for his on field and off the field success as a High School in the state of Florida.  

Coach Yusuf Shakir’s coaching career spanned twenty years, including an impressive head football coaching record of 120-49 in his fourteen years as a head coach. His playoff record of 21-12 demonstrates his ability to excel in high-pressure situations. Coach Shakir’s teams made the playoffs in thirteen out of fourteen years as head football coach, clinching ten district championships.

Coach Shakir led Tallahassee Lincoln High School to a state championship in 2010 and a State Runner-up finish in 2012 also led them to program’s 300th win. Lincoln HS was the first high school from Florida to play in the New Orleans Superdome. Shakir secured a Nike Elite sponsorship one of only 45 schools nationally. Shakir implemented the use of Guardian caps in practice for concussion safety. He previously laid the groundwork for this success as the Defensive Coordinator for Lincoln’s 2001 State Championship-winning team.

Coach Shakir’s influence extended to St. Petersburg, Florida, where he led Gibbs High School to back-to-back winning seasons and playoff appearances from 2007 to 2008, a significant milestone for the school. His four seasons at Manatee High School in Bradenton were equally remarkable, with four consecutive playoff appearances, securing their first District Championship in over five years, and achieving back-to-back District Championships, culminating in a state semi-final appearance while also capturing the school’s 500th win. Under his leadership, Manatee became the first high school in Florida to implement advanced Catapult GPS tracking systems and InSite helmet sensors, setting new standards for player safety.

His mentorship resulted in 141 players earning college scholarships and 23 former players signing NFL and CFL contracts.

Beyond football, Coach Shakir also served as the head boys/girls weightlifting coach for 11 years at Lincoln and Manatee High Schools. Shakir’s athletes consistently made postseason advancements.

Coach Shakir’s football journey began as a standout Florida High School All-American at Tallahassee Lincoln 1995. His high school career included being named a 1st Team All-Big Bend and 1st Team All-State player in Class 6A and an honorable mention as a USA Today All-American. These achievements led to several Division I-A scholarship offers and his eventual signing with the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Shakir later earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Western Illinois University before starting his professional career as a public-school teacher and coach. Coach Shakir earned a master’s degree in Sports Management and Administration from Florida A&M University. He served as Graduate Student Assistant to the Dean of Education during his studies.

Shakir served the FACA as Football Vice President, District Sports Chairperson for Football and Weightlifting, All-Star Coach, and Clinic Speaker. Shakir secures speakers for coaching clinics and guides high school coaches on collegiate rules and compliance. He served the FHSAA as a district representative.

Coach Shakir is Assistant Director of Football Logistics and Analytics at the University of Florida in Gainesville. In this vital role, he assists in all aspects of the football program’s daily operations, including recruiting, film analysis, roster development, and practice evaluations.