Former Heisman Trophy winner and NBA player Charlie Ward is finalizing a deal to become the head coach of Florida A&M men's basketball team, pending approval by the school's board. Ward, aged 54, brings with him a wealth of basketball experience, having played in the NBA and served as an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets, among other roles.
Ward's appointment to Florida A&M makes him one of the most prominent coaches at an HBCU men's program, alongside Mo Williams of Jackson State. He takes on the challenge of leading a team that has not made the NCAA tournament since 2007 and has struggled to achieve winning seasons in recent years. Ward's arrival is expected to inject new energy into the program, given his high profile in the Tallahassee area and his basketball background.