1993 Heisman winner Charlie Ward being introduced as Florida A&M's new men's basketball head coach / Credit: Florida A&M Athletics
Charlie Ward Named Head Men’s Hoops Coach At Florida A&M
Charlie Ward, the only Heisman Trophy winner to play in the NBA, was announced as the new men’s basketball head coach at Florida A&M on April 16.
Ward, the first Heisman Trophy winner to lead a college basketball program, had served as the head coach at Florida High in Tallahassee since 2018.
Ward’s coaching career also includes a stint with the Houston Rockets shortly after his NBA career ended as well as high school football coaching jobs at Westbury Christian School and Booker T. Washington High.
Said Florida A&M Director of Athletics Angela Suggs on Ward’s hire: “Today marks an exciting new chapter for our men’s basketball program as we proudly welcome Charlie Ward—a true legend and exceptional leader. Coach Ward brings with him a championship mindset and a wealth of experience that will undoubtedly ignite a new level of inspiration and ambition in our student-athletes. His arrival is a game-changer for our program.”
Added Ward: “I’m excited for the opportunity to join FAMU and serve as head coach of the men’s basketball program. I look forward to leading a Rattlers team that will be defined by our P.A.C.E. — Preparation, Accountability, Competitive Spirit, Commitment and Effort — as we continue the great legacy of FAMU Athletics.”
Florida A&M is a homecoming of sorts for Ward. Ward’s parents not only both attended the school but met as undergraduates there in the late 1950s. Ward’s sister is also an alumna of the school.
Ward, of course, had a highly successful career as a hoopster at Florida State to complement his Heisman-winning football career.
On the hardcourt, Ward led the Seminoles to the brink of the 1993 Final Four, falling one game shy. He also started on FSU’s Sweet 16 team in 1992 and hit the game-winning shot in its Metro Conference Tournament Championship game win over Louisville in 1991. Ward long held Seminole basketball records for steals in a game (9) and career (236) and ranks sixth all-time in assists (396).
Ward played 11 seasons in the NBA, the first 10 with the New York Knicks, and helped the Knicks reach the NBA Finals in 1999.
While Ward is the first Heisman winner to become a college basketball head coach, many others in the Heisman fraternity have coached college football.
Just last month, 1995 winner Eddie George became the head coach at Bowling Green following four years as head coach at Tennessee State.
Other Heisman winners who have served as college football head coaches, including Steve Spurrier (1966), Pat Sullivan (1971), John David Crow (1957) and Frank Sinkwich (1942).
A handful of fellow Heisman winners coached in various capacities, including Johnny Lujack (1947) who served two years on Notre Dame’s staff (1952-53). 1955 winner Howard “Hopalong” Cassady was a scout for the New York Yankees and served as a first base coach for their Triple-A affiliate, the Columbus Clippers.
Carson Palmer (2002) is the head coach at Santa Margarita High School in Southern California while Chris Weinke is Georgia Tech’s assistant head coach.