- Florida A&M University has officially tapped Charlie Ward as its next head men’s basketball coach.
- The school announced the hire Monday at a press event.
- Find out how Ward became the program’s 16th head coach.
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
The ‘Charlie Ward era’ has officially begun at Florida A&M.
The school’s Vice President and Director of Athletics Angela Suggs introduced the Florida State University Heisman trophy winning quarterback, and former NBA player Monday to the FAMU community.
“He knows how to win and has been a part of championship culture in many different lanes. We’re excited to have Coach Ward with us," said Suggs.
WATCH BELOW: Charlie Ward's introductory press conference
Ward, who signed a five-year deal worth $975,000 with the Rattlers, is getting his first shot at collegiate coaching.
Before FAMU, Ward coached high school basketball at Florida High where he won a state title in 2022 and had a stint as an assistant NBA coach for the Houston Rockets after playing in the pros for 12 years.
At Monday’s press event, Ward talked about how coaching at FAMU feels like a full-circle moment. He was born at FAMU’s old Foote-Hilyer Hospital and members of his family attended the school.
He says now he looks to build on that legacy by helping to bring FAMU athletics to new heights.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to work along our returning players, future recruits, and our incredible team within our athletic department to continue building this exceptional program," said Ward.
The FAMU men’s basketball team last season finished with 14 wins—the most since 2008—and a conference tournament victory. That all came under their former head coach Patrick Crarey II, who took another head coaching job earlier this month.
“This next chapter as a collegiate coach is not a stepping stone," said Ward. "Rather, it solidifies our commitment to Tallahassee."
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Hosted by Tom Flanigan -
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