Charlie Ward Set to Lead FAMU Basketball Program

Charlie Ward, a former Heisman Trophy winner and NBA player, is set to become the new head men's basketball coach at Florida A&M University (FAMU), pending final Board of Trustees approval. Ward has agreed to a five-year contract starting at $175,000 annually and escalating to $215,000 in the final year. He previously starred in football and basketball at Florida State University and enjoyed an 11-year NBA career. Ward brings coaching experience that includes leading Florida High in Tallahassee to a state basketball championship and serving as an NBA assistant coach. He replaces Patrick Crarey, who left after one season, as FAMU seeks to revitalize its basketball program, which has not reached the NCAA tournament since 2007. Ward's hiring is expected to boost FAMU's profile and reflects a broader trend of high-profile former athletes taking coaching roles at HBCUs.