Shackleford began his coaching career at Anderson University in 1999. In 2002 Adam entered the Arena Football League as an assistant coach with the Cincinnati Swarm. In 2003 he was hired as the Offensive Coordinator and Assistant head coach with the Louisville Fire of the AFL.
In 2007 Shackleford became the Head Coach of the Spokane Shock. Over three seasons, his teams would go 50-7, with Three Conference Championships, Two Arena Cup Championship appearances and an Arena Cup Championship in 2009.
In 2010 he was hired as the Head Coach & VP of Football for the Tri-Cities Fever of the IFL. In five seasons his teams made five playoff appearances, earned two conference titles, and had two United Bowl Championship appearances.
In 2016 Adam was hired by new ownership in Spokane and served as the Head Coach of the Spokane Empire of the IFL for 2 seasons leading the team to a Conference Title and A United Bowl Championship appearance.
Adam spent the 2022 & 2023 seasons as the Director of Player Personnel for the Frisco Fighters of the Indoor Football League. Those teams had a combined record of 30-6 with 2 Conference Championship Appearances.
Shackleford's overall career Head Coaching record is 151 wins & 49 losses.