Charlie Ward’s Florida A&M contract details

Could Florida A&M basketball’s next chapter be written by a Heisman Trophy winner? According to the latest contract details, the answer is yes—and the Rattlers are betting big on Charlie Ward.

FAMU is finalizing a five-year agreement to make the Florida State legend its next head men’s basketball coach. The deal, pending final approval after a delayed board meeting caused by a nationwide Zoom outage, includes a starting salary of $175,000 in 2025-26, escalating to $215,000 in the final year. But the number isn’t the headline—it’s the name.

Charlie Ward isn’t just a hire; he’s a statement. The 1993 Heisman Trophy winner and national champion quarterback at Florida State also starred on the basketball court before choosing a 12-year NBA career over the NFL. He spent nine seasons with the New York Knicks, starting in the 1999 NBA Finals. Now, he returns to the college stage with a legacy that instantly raises FAMU’s national profile—especially on the recruiting trail.

Ward has quietly built a solid coaching foundation. He led Florida High in Tallahassee and was recently tapped as an assistant for the 2025 USA Basketball Nike Hoop Summit. Known for discipline, defense, and player development, Ward brings the kind of leadership FAMU needs after finishing 9-21 last season. This isn’t a vanity hire—it’s a cultural reboot.

Ward’s arrival comes at a moment when HBCU athletics are demanding more visibility and respect. His presence, particularly at a program with FAMU’s tradition, signals belief in the future—not just of the basketball team, but of Black college sports as a whole. His stature, combined with deep local ties, could galvanize alumni, students, and prospective athletes alike.

The ink may not be dry just yet, but the message is clear—FAMU isn’t playing small ball anymore. With Charlie Ward on the sidelines, the Rattlers are positioning themselves not just to compete, but to lead. HBCU basketball fans, take notice: a new era is coming to Tallahassee.