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FAMU Promotes Former FSU Football Standout James Colzie As Next Head Coach

"I am ready to do my part of carrying on the tradition of this storied university as the #1 public HBCU in the country."

Tommy Mire

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Former Florida State standout James Colzie III was officially announced as head football coach at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) after joining the team ahead of the 2022 season and coaching the defensive secondary. Colzie was named interim head coach during the university's coaching search following Willie Simmons's departure to Duke University and took the role on Saturday.Β 

β€œI am thrilled to announce Coach James Colzie Ill as our new head football coach,” FAMU Vice President and Director of Athletics Tiffani-Dawn Sykes said of the hire.

As a dual-sport athlete, the Miami, FL native played defensive back at FSU as a true freshman, helping them win the BCS National Title in 1993. He was also on the 1994 Florida State baseball team.Β 

"I am eternally grateful to President Robinson and our Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Tiffani-Dawn Sykes for their confidence in me," Colzie said in a statement released by FAMU. "It's truly an honor to join names like William Bell, Jake Gaither, Rudy Hubbard, Billy Joe, and Willie Simmons to hold the illustrious title of Head Football Coach at Florida A&M, and I am ready to do my part of carrying on the tradition of this storied university as the #1 public HBCU in the country."

Colzie spent five seasons with the 'Noles and was a member of the program's first national championship team in 1993 before coaching special teams and defensive backs at Florida International University (FIU). Colzie later coached under legendary head coach Bobby Bowden in Tallahassee from 2004 to 2006 as a graduate assistant, assuming a similar role with the defensive backs and special teams.Β 

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Helping lead the Rattlers to a 12-1 record and their first SWAC Championship and Celebration Bowl 20 last season. He alsoΒ helped coach first-round NFL draft pick Antonio Cromartie (2006) and second-round pick Bryant McFadden (2005) during his time at Florida State. Colzie began his time with the Rattlers as cornerbacks coach and now will get a chance to lead the program.

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Tommy Mire
TOMMY MIRE

Tommy Mire joined NoleGameday in 2023 as a writer and editor. He initially worked as lead voice at SBNation's Tomahawk Nation and contributes to football, NFL and recruiting coverage. Connect with Tommy on Twitter at @TommyM3III

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