Florida A&M University has parted ways with Rattlers head football coach Earl Holmes. The school says it’s time to take its football team in a new direction.
FAM-U Hall of Famer and former pro linebacker Earl Holmes’ was let go days before the school’s homecoming weekend. Holmes shook hands with players and gave goodbyes Tuesday in an emotional exit from the school. FAM-U spokesman Jimmy Miller says Holmes has been placed on a leave of absence until his contract ends in January.
“So, we don’t use the term firing, termination, because those are technical terms and they imply causation," Miller says. "And so, his contract is just not being renewed.”
Miller wouldn't comment on the decision beyond saying it’s in the school’s best interest.
“The feeling is at this point in time, we want to go a new direction," he says. "That means you would bring in someone new, with new ideas and different ideas.”
The school will quickly seek out a new coach in order to start recruiting for next season. In the meantime, assistant coach Corey Fuller will take over head coaching duties.
Holmes was appointed in January of 2013. He had previously served as interim head coach when former coach Joe Taylor retired before the 2012 homecoming weekend. Under Holmes, the Rattlers racked up 6 wins and 16 losses.
