Ward, the 1993 Heisman Trophy winner and national championship quarterback at Florida State, takes over as the 16th head coach in program history after seven seasons leading Florida High School’s boys’ basketball team in Tallahassee, where he guided the Seminoles to the 2022 Class 3A state title. Now, he aims to reignite FAMU’s basketball tradition with a philosophy rooted in discipline and accountability.
A homecoming decades in the making
Ward’s ties to FAMU run deep. He was born in the university’s on-campus hospital—now the Foote-Hilyer Administration Building—to parents who met as students at the institution. His father, Charlie Ward Sr., starred as a quarterback under legendary FAMU football coach Jake Gaither from 1959 to 1964, while his older sister, Lita, is also an alum.
“This isn’t just a job; it’s a homecoming,” said Ward, 54, during his introductory press conference. “I grew up around FAMU athletics, and I understand what this program can be. We’re here to build something special, brick by brick.”
The "PACCEE" blueprint
Ward’s coaching mantra, “PACCEE” (pronounced “pace”), encapsulates his vision: Preparedness, Accountability, Competitive spirit, Commitment, Effort, and Execution. He stressed that talent alone won’t suffice—players must embrace roles, sacrifice for the team, and buy into a culture mirroring his high school program’s structure, which he modeled after collegiate and professional systems.
“You have to be coachable and willing to play your role,” Ward said. “We’ll recruit competitors who check every box in PACCEE. That’s how you sustain success.”
From state titles to SWAC ambitions
Athletic Director Angela Suggs Adams cited Ward’s championship pedigree—from his 1993 Heisman season at FSU to his 12-year NBA career and Florida High’s 2022 title—as pivotal to revitalizing a Rattlers program seeking consistency in the SWAC.
“Charlie knows how to win and has thrived in championship cultures across sports,” Suggs said. “His leadership aligns with our commitment to excellence in athletics and academics.”
Ward plans to leverage FAMU’s recent momentum, including its 2024 SWAC Tournament appearance, while prioritizing student engagement. “We need the campus community at every game, lifting these young men up,” he said.
Legacy meets opportunity
As Ward begins assembling his roster and staff, his hiring has already galvanized alumni and fans. For a coach whose life began on FAMU’s campus, the challenge is personal: to honor his roots while forging a new era.
“I’m not here for a stepping stone,” Ward said. “I’m here to plant trees whose shade I may never sit under. That’s what FAMU deserves.”