The Rattlers of Florida A&M are in the market for a new head football coach. On Monday, the university’s athletic department announced that it had parted ways with head coach James Colzie III, effective immediately.
“Excellence is the standard that extends across every aspect of our institution—from academics and research to athletics and community engagement,” said FAMU President Marva B. Johnson. “As the nation’s top public HBCU, we are committed to operational excellence in everything we do. Our football program and all Rattler sports are critical drivers of university pride, student recruitment, alumni engagement, and institutional momentum. Success on the field elevates our entire university, creates economic opportunity for our region, and inspires the next generation of Rattler scholars and leaders. This leadership transition reflects our commitment to building on the proud legacy of FAMU athletics and its storied superstars, while transforming our programs to meet the demands of today’s collegiate landscape—including competing in a dynamic recruiting environment shaped by NIL opportunities— and positioning FAMU at the championship level our community deserves.”
Coach Colzie took over as the 19th coach in program history, following the departure of Willie Simmons, who left to become the running backs coach at Duke University. His hiring came at the end of a bizarre coaching search that pitted the then-Director of Athletics, Tiffani Dawn-Sykes, against the National Alumni Association. The players advocated for Colzie, who was then FAMU’s assistant head coach to be elevated to head coach, believing he was the man to keep the Rattlers’ championship train rolling.
After posting a 7-5 mark in his first season in 2024, the wheels began to come off in 2025. The Rattlers got off to a 1-4 start, with the lone win coming 33-25 over future SIAC champion Albany State, a D-II team. Bragg Memorial Stadium, which had been a house of horrors for opponents, FAMU had enjoyed a 23-game home winning streak that spanned from 2019 to 2024, and was the site of multiple Rattlers’ beatdowns. Alabama State thrashed the Rattlers 42-14 on September 27, former MEAC foe North Carolina Central had its way with the home team 45-7 on October 11 and Eastern Division champ Jackson State thumped FAMU 41-16 on November 1.
The low point of the season was the season finale in which FAMU was defeated 35-31 by Mississippi Valley State, which was previously winless in SWAC play. It was the second consecutive season that the Delta Devils dealt the Rattlers a loss.
Colzie was 12-12 in his two seasons on the Highest of Seven Hills.
President Johnson announced that Quarterbacks Coach and Co-Offensive Coordinator Henry Burris has been appointed acting head coach, effective immediately, until a permanent replacement has been named.
