Florida A&M University has hired Charlie Ward, a former Heisman Trophy winner, as their new men's basketball coach, following the departure of Patrick Crarey II. Ward, 54, is renowned for his dual-sport achievements at Florida State from 1989 to 1994, where he excelled in both football and basketball. In football, he was named ACC Player of the Year and led Florida State to a national championship in 1993. In basketball, he started as point guard, leading his team to the Elite Eight and winning a conference tournament title. Ward pursued an NBA career after being drafted by the New York Knicks and later played for the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets. Since 2018, he has coached at Florida High, securing a state title in 2022. FAMU hopes Ward can turn around their program, which has endured 18 consecutive losing seasons.