[3] During his time as a student at Harvard, Adams played a vital role in reinstating the football program in 1886 for Harvard by heading a petition movement to the administration.

Once the season was granted, Adams played on the team and assisted in managing and coaching it.

[4][5] In 1890, Adams, along with another fellow alumnus, George A. Stewart (Class of 1884) were appointed as coaches for the Harvard football program of the upcoming season.

In their first season, the team went 11–0, winning the national championship, also with five players being named All-Americans.

[6] The appointment of Adams and Stewart is widely regarded to be the beginning of an organized coaching system at Harvard.