One HBCU who recently lost their head men’s basketball coach has found a replacement with quite the track record.
1993 Heisman trophy winner Charlie Ward, who played 11 seasons in the NBA, is expected to be named head men’s basketball coach at Florida A&M, as reported by HBCU basketball insider Olivia Antilla.
The 5 year contract and details for Charlie Ward will be brought in front of the FAMU BOT today and most likely will be approved.
Ward was a first round draft pick in 1994 and played for 11 years (Knicks, Spurs, Rockets).
This hire will be the 16th FAMU Men’s Basketball Coach.
— Liv (@livforhoops) April 16, 2025
Ward, 54, will replace Patrick Crarey II, who accepted the Grambling men’s opening after one year in Tallahassee.
Ward played quarterback across town at Florida State, leading the Seminoles to the 1993 national championship with an 18-16 upset of Nebraska in the 1994 Orange Bowl.
He was also a point guard on the FSU basketball team, where he still holds the team’s career steals record (236).
Ward was drafted in the first round of the 1994 NBA draft by the New York Knicks and opted for the NBA, becoming the only Heisman winner to play professional basketball.
Ward helped the Knicks to a surprise appearance in the 1999 NBA finals and over 11 seasons averaged 6 points and 4 assists per game for the Knicks, San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets.
Ward recently served as the head basketball coach of Florida State University Schools, the university’s high school program.
