- **Q: Why did Charlie Ward choose basketball over the NFL?
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Yanuki
ARTICLE DETAIL
Heisman Winner Charlie Ward Reportedly Set to Coach Florida A&M Basketball | Oregon State Basketball: The End of the Wayne Tinkle Era | Mexico vs. USA: Intense Rivalry at the World Baseball Classic 2026 | Italy vs. Great Britain in 2026 World Baseball Classic: Espresso-Fueled Victory | Edwin Díaz's Triumphant Return: WBC and Dodgers Move | Raiders Sign Matt Gay to Replace Daniel Carlson | Warriors and Thunder Face Short-Handed Matchup | Matthew Boyd Reunites with Tarik Skubal and Honors Family Legacy at WBC | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Ties Wilt Chamberlain's Record for Consecutive 20-Point Games | Heisman Winner Charlie Ward Reportedly Set to Coach Florida A&M Basketball | Oregon State Basketball: The End of the Wayne Tinkle Era | Mexico vs. USA: Intense Rivalry at the World Baseball Classic 2026 | Italy vs. Great Britain in 2026 World Baseball Classic: Espresso-Fueled Victory | Edwin Díaz's Triumphant Return: WBC and Dodgers Move | Raiders Sign Matt Gay to Replace Daniel Carlson | Warriors and Thunder Face Short-Handed Matchup | Matthew Boyd Reunites with Tarik Skubal and Honors Family Legacy at WBC | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Ties Wilt Chamberlain's Record for Consecutive 20-Point Games
Sports / College Basketball
Heisman Winner Charlie Ward Reportedly Set to Coach Florida A&M Basketball
Florida A&M University (FAMU) is reportedly finalizing a deal to hire a unique figure in sports history as its next men's basketball coach: Charlie Ward. Known for winning the Heisman Trophy as a quarterback and playing point guard in the N...
Key Insights
- **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.
In-Depth Analysis
## A Unique Hire for FAMU
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 Prowess
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.
## The Opportunity at FAMU
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.
FAQ
- **Q: Who was the previous FAMU coach?
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- **Q: How did FAMU perform last season?
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Takeaways
- 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.
Discussion
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!
*Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!*
Sources
Florida A&M reportedly finalizing deal with ex-Heisman winner Charlie Ward to become men's basketball coach (Yahoo Sports)
Patrick Crarey reflects on year with FAMU basketball, discuss Grambling job (Tallahassee Democrat)
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