TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – In a meeting that lasted under ten minutes, the Florida A&M Board of Trustees unanimously approved the hiring of Quinn Gray as the next head football coach of the Rattlers.
The contract approved is a five year deal, with a first year salary of $240,000 and an increase of $20,000 on an annual basis.
In a release issued by the University, Gray said, “I’m home!! I am humbled and excited about the opportunity to lead this great program that is known to be the standard in HBCU football and the one that groomed me into the man that I am today. While I understand the excitement that surrounds this situation, I also understand the timeline and the urgency to get to work and ‘Restore the Strike,’ to our proud institution! I don’t take this opportunity lightly because I know what it means to so many people. So, please understand that I’m #ALL-IN and I need Rattler Nation to be #ALL-In as well!”
There are also bonuses written into the contract for academic achievements, winning the Florida Classic, and beating a FBS football team. A win in the Celebration Bowl would give Gray a $50,000 bonus.
The contract provides Gray with an annual budget of $1,200,000 for assistant coaches and support staff.
Additionally, the BOT approved a signing bonus of $25,000, “which shall be paid no later than the end of the University’s fiscal year on June 30, 2026,” the drafted contract wrote.
“Coach Gray’s journey—as a record-setting student-athlete, an NFL veteran, and a successful head coach—uniquely positions him to lead in today’s highly competitive collegiate athletics environment,” said Florida A&M President Marva Johnson. “He understands how to develop student-athletes who are prepared to compete at the highest levels while navigating Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities, personal brand building, and long-term career success. FAMU’s athletics program is already strong and nationally respected, guided by exceptional leadership across multiple sports. From legendary figures like Charlie Ward to the championship-caliber coaches leading our women’s volleyball and men’s golf programs, our coaches exemplify excellence, discipline, and student-centered leadership. Coach Gray enhances this foundation by bringing a modern, holistic approach that strengthens competitive performance, reinforces accountability, and expands opportunities for student-athletes to thrive on and off the field.”
Gray’s hiring just over two weeks after FAMU parted ways with its former head coach James Colzie, after two seasons on the job where he went 12-12.
Gray is was a star quarterback for the Rattlers, and still holds the records for passing yards, pass attempts, completions and touchdown passes at the University. He led the Rattlers to two MEAC titles.
He comes to Tallahassee after a three-year run at Albany State, where he went 24-11 overall. He led the Golden Rams to a 12-2 mark and a NCAA Division II quarterfinal appearance this season.
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