from 1980 to 1986, adams was an assistant coach at fresno state under boyd "tiny" grant. during this time, fresno state won the pcaa tournaments of 1981, 1982, and 1984. adams took over as head coach after grant resigned following the 1985–86 season. adams's best season at fresno state was a 15–14 season in 1988–89; in four seasons, adams went 43–72.