Charlie Ward Named Head Coach of FAMU’s Men’s Basketball Team

Charlie Ward is officially stepping into a new chapter of leadership—this time from the sidelines as the new head coach of Florida A&M University’s men’s basketball team.

Ward, a legendary dual-sport athlete and Florida State University icon, is no stranger to greatness. He won the 1993 Heisman Trophy, led FSU to a national football championship, and then opted for the hardwood instead of the gridiron—playing 11 seasons in the NBA with teams like the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs.

Now, he brings that same winning spirit and competitive edge to the Rattlers’ basketball program. His appointment is seen as a bold move for FAMU, a university rich in tradition and pride, but hungry to return to prominence on the court. The five-year deal, starting at $175,000 annually, shows the university’s commitment to long-term excellence.

Before his FAMU debut, Ward made waves coaching at Florida State University Schools, leading the program to a 2022 state championship. That success, coupled with his deep Florida ties and basketball IQ, makes him a perfect fit to rebuild the Rattlers’ program from the ground up.

Charlie Ward’s journey is a powerful reminder that Black excellence knows no bounds—from winning the Heisman to making it in the NBA to shaping young men through sport. And now, as he walks the sidelines in Tallahassee, he does so representing not only his alma mater and community, but also the fundamental values of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.