After two consecutive appearances in their conference’s football championship game, an HBCU is moving on from their coach.
Bobby Rome II, who led Florida Memorial to a 15-15-1 record in three seasons, including back-to-back winning seasons and Sun Conference championship game bids in 2023 and 2024, announced on his Facebook page Friday morning that the university let him go.
Bobby Rome II – Good Morning, Facebook Family, Sometimes, change… | Facebook
“Sometimes, change is inevitable. After three seasons here in South Florida, the administration at Florida Memorial University decided not to renew my contract and move in a different direction with the football program,” Rome said. “This decision came as a surprise and has been a significant challenge for me and my family.”
Florida Memorial released a statement on Sunday officially announcing that Rome would no longer be the coach moving forward.
“His commitment to the sport and to the student-athletes of FMU has been unwavering, and his contributions have significantly shaped the football program for further success in the future,” the school said in a statement.
Rome, 38, played collegiately at North Carolina-Chapel Hill and spent time in training camp with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers before beginning his coaching career. He previously coached at Virginia-Lynchburg and a COVID-shortened season at Central State in 2021.
Rome took over a Florida Memorial program that had recently restarted in 2020 after a 62-year absence. After a 3-7 season in 2022, the Lions finished 6-4 in 2023 and 6-4-1 in 2024.
“I want to express my gratitude to the student-athletes I had the privilege of working with—helping you grow, develop, and graduate has been an honor,” he said. “I also extend my thanks to the coaching staff for the collaboration and camaraderie we shared during my time at the University.”
