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Former Head Coach Sues FAMU For 'Wrongful Termination'

A former head football coach for Florida A&M University is suing FAMU for wrongful termination. 

Earl Holmes says he wants what he believes is owed to him.

FAMU fired Holmes in October just days before the annual homecoming football game, following a string of losses. Now Holmes’ attorney, Tim Jansen, says the university owes his client for terminating Holmes’ contract early. Jansen blames former Athletic Director Kellen Winslow.

“He, basically, said, ‘We’re going in a different direction,’” Jansen says. “FAMU has the right to do that, but they also have to pay him for the terms of his contract.”

Jansen filed suit in Leon County Courthouse Monday, naming the university and its board of trustees as defendants. Jansen is asking for several thousand dollars in damages for what he says is “breach of contract, breach of good faith and fair dealing, fraud in the inducement and negligent misrepresentation.” FAMU says it has no comment at this time.