It’s official! James Colzie III, who stepped up in the interim after Coach Simmons’ departure earlier this year, has been named Florida A&M‘s next head football coach.
VP of Intercollegiate Athletics, Tiffani-Dawn Sykes named Colzie the 19th head football coach this Saturday. “I am thrilled to announce Coach James Colzie Ill as our new head football coach,” Sykes said in a statement.
“Coach Colzie’s dedication as interim head coach and now as our permanent leader exemplifies his commitment to excellence.”
“I am eternally grateful to [FAMU] President Dr. Robinson and our VP and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Tiffani-Dawn Sykes for their confidence in me,” Colzie said.
The new head coach joined FAMU Rattlers ahead of the 2022 season, where he led the cornerbacks and contributed to a defense that ranked in the top 25 in six categories.
“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 tis storied university as the #1 public HBCU in the country.”
Colzie has worked and played for some of the best coaches in the business, including Bobby Bowden, Mickey Andrews, Romeo Crennel, and Emmitt Thomas. His career has included stops at elite Division I, Division II, U-Sport, and NCAA Football programs around Southeast, Midwest, and Canada. As a collegiate player and coach, Colzie has been a part of four national championships and seven conference titles.
The new Rattlers head football coach says he is ready to get to work.
“The 2023 Celebration Bowl Champions have already started the work to duplicate last season’s success. My job will be to surround these incredible young men with an outstanding coaching staff to ensure a great student-athlete experience while they are on the Highest of Seven Hills. FANGS UP!”
Alright now, Rattlers! Y’all ready for the Colzie III era?!
FAMU Rattlers will open their 2024 football season in Atlanta against Norfolk State on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
