Shannon is a graduate of Miami Norland High School in Miami Gardens, Florida. He played college football for the University of Miami, starting at outside linebacker for 1987 national championship team.
Shannon was first recruited by Miami coach Dennis Erickson in 1991 as a graduate assistant. Later he became the team's defensive line coach and linebackers coach. Shannon worked as linebackers coach for the Miami Dolphins in 2000 and as a defensive assistant in 1998 and 1999.
