HBCU Legends

James Colzie III Named Florida A&M University's 19th Head Football Coach

Florida A&M University has named James Colzie III the Rattlers' 19th head football coach.

Kyle T. Mosley

HOUSTON - Florida A&M University has named James Colzie III the Rattlers' 19th head football coach. After the resignation of their 2023 HBCU Football National Championship head coach, Willie Simmons, Colzie was installed as the program's interim head football coach. 

Several players and alumni favored Colzie's promotion as the new coach. However, the vice president and director of athletics, Tiffani-Dawn Sykes, ventured to bring on someone outside the program to fill the vacancy.  

FAMU's national alumni boards and booster clubs wanted inclusion in the search process. Following several meetings and open discord, President Robinson and AD Sykes agreed to form a search committee and engage an executive search firm to locate a new football coach. 

After a couple of weeks, the recommendation to name Colzie as the new coach was approved.

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Vice President and Director of Athletics Tiffani-Dawn Sykes named James Colzie III the 19th head football coach at Florida A&M University, January 27, 2024.

"I am thrilled to announce Coach James Colzie III as our new head football coach, Sykes said. "I extend my gratitude to President Larry Robinson, the FAMU Board of Trustees, Chairwoman Kristin Harper, and the entire FAMU community for their unwavering support throughout this process." She continued, "Coach Colzie's dedication as interim head coach and now as our permanent leader exemplifies his commitment to excellence."

Coach Colzie stated, "I am eternally grateful to President Robinson and our Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Tiffani-Dawn Sykes for their confidence in me."

The Rattlers will open the 2024 football season in Week 0 at the MEAC/SWAC Challenge against Norfolk State University on Aug. 24 in Atlanta, GA. FAMU leads the all-time series 13-3.

Published
Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me:

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