Florida A&M is reportedly closing in on a deal to hire former Heisman Trophy winner and NBA veteran Charlie Ward as its next men’s basketball coach . According to ESPN, the university is finalizing the agreement, marking Ward’s first head coaching role at the collegiate level.
Ward, who recently served as an assistant coach for USA Basketball at the 2025 Nike Hoops Summit, brings a wealth of experience as a former two-sport star at Florida State and a nine-year NBA player.
Charlie Ward’s legendary college career and transition to the NBA
The 54-year-old made history at Florida State, where he excelled in both football and basketball. In 1993, he led the Seminoles to a national championship in football while winning the Heisman Trophy. That season, he threw for 3,032 yards and 27 touchdowns with just four interceptions, completing nearly 70% of his passes. He also added 339 rushing yards and four scores.
Despite his football success, Ward chose basketball as his professional path. The New York Knicks selected him in the first round of the 1994 NBA Draft. Over nine seasons with the franchise, he averaged 6.5 points per game and shot 41% from the field. He later played for the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets before retiring.
Charlie Ward steps in after Patrick Crarey II’s departure
Charlie Ward will replace Patrick Crarey II, who left Florida A&M after just one season to coach Grambling. Under Crarey, the Rattlers finished 14-17 overall and 10-8 in the SWAC, an eight-game improvement from their 6-23 record the previous season.
Florida A&M hasn’t had a winning season since 2007, when the team made the NCAA tournament as a No. 16 seed. Ward’s hiring signals a new era for the program as it looks to build on last season’s progress.
With his deep ties to Florida sports and a decorated playing career, Ward’s arrival brings excitement and high expectations to Tallahassee. Fans will be eager to see if his leadership can guide the Rattlers back to postseason contention.
Also read: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's wife, McKenzie, stuns in chic Disney World look as husband gears up for NBA playoffs with the Denver Nuggets
Charlie Ward’s hiring brings a mix of star power and untapped potential to Florida A&M basketball . Can his leadership turn the Rattlers into SWAC contenders, or will the transition from player to head coach prove challenging? We want to hear from you—drop your thoughts in the comments: Is this the right move for FAMU?
Ward, who recently served as an assistant coach for USA Basketball at the 2025 Nike Hoops Summit, brings a wealth of experience as a former two-sport star at Florida State and a nine-year NBA player.
Charlie Ward’s legendary college career and transition to the NBA
The 54-year-old made history at Florida State, where he excelled in both football and basketball. In 1993, he led the Seminoles to a national championship in football while winning the Heisman Trophy. That season, he threw for 3,032 yards and 27 touchdowns with just four interceptions, completing nearly 70% of his passes. He also added 339 rushing yards and four scores.
Sources: FAMU is finalizing a deal to hire Charlie Ward as the next men's basketball coach. The deal is pending final board approval at 3 p.m. today. Ward is a former Heisman Trophy winner at Florida State and star basketball player at FSU and in the NBA. pic.twitter.com/VoMOnIIUJs
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 16, 2025
Despite his football success, Ward chose basketball as his professional path. The New York Knicks selected him in the first round of the 1994 NBA Draft. Over nine seasons with the franchise, he averaged 6.5 points per game and shot 41% from the field. He later played for the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets before retiring.
Charlie Ward steps in after Patrick Crarey II’s departure
Charlie Ward will replace Patrick Crarey II, who left Florida A&M after just one season to coach Grambling. Under Crarey, the Rattlers finished 14-17 overall and 10-8 in the SWAC, an eight-game improvement from their 6-23 record the previous season.
Florida A&M hasn’t had a winning season since 2007, when the team made the NCAA tournament as a No. 16 seed. Ward’s hiring signals a new era for the program as it looks to build on last season’s progress.
With his deep ties to Florida sports and a decorated playing career, Ward’s arrival brings excitement and high expectations to Tallahassee. Fans will be eager to see if his leadership can guide the Rattlers back to postseason contention.
Also read: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's wife, McKenzie, stuns in chic Disney World look as husband gears up for NBA playoffs with the Denver Nuggets
Charlie Ward’s hiring brings a mix of star power and untapped potential to Florida A&M basketball . Can his leadership turn the Rattlers into SWAC contenders, or will the transition from player to head coach prove challenging? We want to hear from you—drop your thoughts in the comments: Is this the right move for FAMU?
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