Bro. Charlie Ward Named Head Coach of FAMU Men’s Basketball
Florida A&M University didn’t have to search far for its next head men’s basketball coach. Bro. Charlie Ward, a Heisman Trophy winner, NBA veteran, and accomplished coach, was officially introduced as the 16th head coach of the Rattlers’ men’s basketball program.
“This is a tough moment for me. I’m truly honored,” Ward said during his introductory press conference. “This is the only collegiate job I was willing to take. You may know me as a Seminole, but I was born a Rattler.”
Ward’s roots at FAMU run deep. His parents met on campus, with his father, Bro. Charlie Ward Sr., playing football under legendary coach Jake Gaither. His sister is also a FAMU alumna. Though Ward made his name at Florida State University—winning the Heisman Trophy in 1993 and later embarking on a 12-year NBA career—he has always held a special connection to Florida A&M.
Ward brings a proven track record of leadership and success to the Rattlers. Over the past seven years, he coached Florida High’s boys’ basketball team, capturing a state championship in 2022. His coaching résumé also includes time with the NBA’s Houston Rockets and several successful stints as a high school coach in Texas and Florida.
Florida A&M’s Vice President and Director of Athletics confirmed that Ward was her first call when the position opened, noting that the deal came together in just eight days. “When the door opened, I knew who we wanted to walk through it,” she said.
Ward has already expressed plans to revive the storied FAMU-Florida State rivalry game, which hasn’t been played since the early 1990s—when he himself was on the Seminoles’ roster.
His appointment follows a period of progress for the Rattlers. Under former coach Patrick Crarey, FAMU notched its first SWAC Tournament win and completed its best season since 2008. Ward now steps in with the goal of building on that momentum, not only focusing on wins but also developing players into well-rounded men of character.
A two-sport collegiate standout, Ward led Florida State basketball to back-to-back deep NCAA Tournament runs and left his mark as the school’s all-time leader in steals. On the football field, he became the Seminoles’ first Heisman Trophy winner, guiding them to a national championship. After choosing basketball over football professionally, Ward was drafted by the New York Knicks and became one of the NBA’s most respected point guards, also playing for the Spurs and Rockets.
Bro. Ward’s journey now comes full circle. As he put it: “I’ll double down, triple down on this one, because this is the only job I was willing to take.” His deep ties to FAMU, commitment to excellence, and passion for mentorship make him a fitting leader for the next era of Rattler basketball.
Welcome home, Coach Ward—let’s strike and strike again!
