Charlie Ward Set To Join Florida A&M As The Rattlers New Head Basketball Coach

Florida A&M University has reportedly made an offer to former Florida State University Heisman Trophy winner and NBA player Charlie Ward.

On Tuesday, Abreon Scott (also known as OffScript) reported that Ward was the school's target to fill the vacancy left by Coach Patrick Crarey, who accepted the same position at Grambling State.

Wednesday morning, Liv Antilla (Liv for Hoops) reported the offer would be a five-year contract that the Florida A&M Board must approve of Trustees.

Ward, 54, has been a successful high school basketball coach at Florida High in Tallahassee, Florida. Under his leadership, the Florida High Seminoles won the 2022 FHSAA 3A State Championship, defeating Riviera Prep 67-66. His extensive knowledge of high school talent in Florida would be a valuable recruiting asset for FAMU.

FSUS Seminoles head coach Charlie Ward looks on against the The Rock National Lions during the first half at The Rock School in Gainesville, FL on Friday, January 19, 2024. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun] | Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK

Last season, under Coach Crarey, the Rattlers basketball program improved to an overall record of 13-16 and 10-8 in the SWAC. Crarey was offered a contract extension; however, he left for Grambling State instead of finalizing the deal.

Ward played eleven seasons in the NBA for the New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets. He retired in 2004 and joined the Houston Rockets coaching staff under head coach Jeff Van Gundy.

Pete Thamel reports that the FAMU Board of Trustees will meet at 3:00 PM ET to approve Ward's contract.

WCTV Sports reporter Allison Posey provided details on the contract proposal:

The Florida A&M Board of Trustees has an agenda item on today's meeting: "men's basketball coach contract."

The coach? According to the contract, which is available online, is former Florida State football and basketball standout Charlie Ward. https://t.co/qtikBVlccL pic.twitter.com/U8ictCZJ8B
— Alison Posey (@AlisonPosey14) April 16, 2025

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Published Apr 16, 2025 | Modified Apr 16, 2025

KYLE MOSLEY

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