Dual-Sport Legend:: Charlie Ward famously won the 1993 Heisman Trophy leading Florida State's football team to a national championship and also starred on FSU's basketball team.
NBA Career:: Ward opted for basketball professionally, becoming a first-round pick for the New York Knicks in 1994 and playing nine seasons with the franchise.
Coaching Transition:: Ward, 54, is poised to take over the FAMU program following the departure of Patrick Crarey II, who left for Grambling State after just one season.
FAMU Context:: The Rattlers showed improvement under Crarey, achieving their most wins (14-17) since 2008 and winning a SWAC Tournament game. The program hasn't had a winning season since 2007.
Why this matters:: Hiring a high-profile name like Ward could bring significant attention and potentially boost recruiting and resources for the FAMU basketball program, which is seeking stability and success after recent coaching changes and administrative hurdles.
Florida A&M appears set to bring former Heisman Trophy winner and NBA player Charlie Ward aboard as its head men's basketball coach. This move comes shortly after Patrick Crarey II departed for Grambling State, citing business reasons and contract negotiation issues during his single, yet improved, season with the Rattlers.
Ward's athletic background is exceptional. At Florida State University, he excelled in two sports. In 1993, he quarterbacked the Seminoles to a 12-1 record and the national championship, completing nearly 70% of his passes for over 3,000 yards and 27 touchdowns against only four interceptions, earning him the Heisman Trophy. Simultaneously, he was a key player for the FSU basketball team. Despite his football success, Ward chose the NBA, where the New York Knicks drafted him in the first round. He played for nine years with the Knicks, averaging 6.5 points per game.
Ward takes over a FAMU program that showed promise under Crarey, improving its win total significantly and winning its first SWAC tournament game since the 2021-2022 season. However, the program faced challenges, including Crarey's contract disputes with the university's Board of Trustees. Crarey noted that while his heart wanted to stay, business considerations and a strong offer from Grambling State led him to leave. Ward's arrival could signal a new era, potentially leveraging his name recognition to elevate the program's profile and attract talent. The Rattlers haven't reached the NCAA tournament since 2007.
Why did Charlie Ward choose basketball over the NFL?
Despite winning the Heisman Trophy in football, Ward was not projected as a high NFL draft pick at quarterback during that era. He opted for the guaranteed first-round contract offered by the New York Knicks in the 1994 NBA Draft.
Who was the previous FAMU coach?
Patrick Crarey II coached the Rattlers for the 2024-2025 season, leading them to a 14-17 record before accepting the head coaching position at Grambling State.
How did FAMU perform last season?
Under Coach Crarey, FAMU finished 14-17 overall and 10-8 in the SWAC, their highest win total since 2008. They also won a game in the SWAC Tournament.
FAMU is making a potentially high-impact hire with Charlie Ward, bringing a well-known sports figure to lead its basketball program.
Ward's unique background as a Heisman winner and NBA player could generate renewed interest and support for the Rattlers.
The program is seeking stability after the departure of its previous coach following just one season.
Ward inherits a team that showed signs of improvement but hasn't had a winning record in over 15 years.
This hiring brings a fascinating figure back into the college sports spotlight. Do you think Charlie Ward's unique background will translate to success coaching FAMU basketball? Let us know!
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