Wearing a black suit and speaking candidly, Patrick Crarey II explained why he decided to bolt Florida A&M to coach at Grambling State.
“This move was about winning within an organization that believed in my capabilities from day one,” he said on Friday during an introductory press conference. “Today starts our new journey together. What you believe about yourself, others will believe about you, too.”
Crarey comes to Grambling State after spending one season at Florida A&M where he guided the Rattlers to its best run of basketball since the program was in the MEAC.
FAMU went 13-16 overall and 10-8 in the SWAC under Crarey, who was on a one-year deal despite a successful stint at Division II St. Thomas University, where he was named Sun Conference Coach of the Year in 2024.
“Coach Patrick Crarey II is the right leader at the right time for Grambling State men’s basketball,” said Grambling athletic director Trayveon Scott. “His track record of winning, his commitment to developing young men, and his relentless drive align perfectly with the standard of excellence we are building across our athletics program. I have no doubt he will lead this program to national prominence and sustained success.”
Crarey took the time to acknowledge Florida A&M—most notably former athletic director Tiffani-Dawn Sykes—for recommending he be hired for the job despite the circumstances of the contract he was ultimately offered and agreed to.
He inked a one-year, $150,000 contract at the recommendation of FAMU’s Board of Trustees prior to the start of the 2024-25 season. FAMU’s Board of Trustees later reportedly approved an offer for a two-year extension worth $330,000 for Crarey in February.
“To Gram Fam, Tiffany Dawn Sykes — clap for her. What’s understood doesn’t need to be said,” he said. You believed before anyone. And I’ll always love you for it.”
Grambling State finished 12-22 this past season and missed out on a return trip to the NCAA Tournament under former coach Donte Jackson, who eventually moved on to Alabama A&M after leading the program to a pair of SWAC regular season championships.
Since Crarey has a history of building programs, he embraces the challenge of getting Grambling back on top again.
“It’s time to let everyone know the Tigers are here,” he said. “As a builder, I lay the foundation, the new one myself,” Crarey said. “I’m about relationships, then championships… to enhance the brand of Grambling and to win at the highest levels.”
