The message was clear, direct, and delivered with the conviction of a man who knows what’s at stake. On Sunday, newly minted FAMU head football coach Quinn Gray Sr. took to social media not just to announce a coaching staff—but to declare a mission.
“Years of experience, proven winners, and undeniable relationships,” Gray wrote in a Facebook post that sent a jolt through the Rattler faithful. “Every person that touches this program is ‘ALL IN’ and ready to Restore the Strike.”
With those words, Gray—a former FAMU star quarterback and longtime NFL backup—officially unveiled his inaugural coaching staff—a thoughtfully assembled mix of respected tacticians, trusted former colleagues, celebrated local voices, and key holdovers from the previous regime. It’s a staff built not for a rebuild, but for a resurgence.
Leading the charge on defense is Ryan Lewis Sr., named defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Lewis brings a sterling FCS pedigree, having engineered some of the nation’s top defenses during his two-year run as defensive coordinator at Alabama State. More recently, he sharpened his craft in the FBS ranks as cornerbacks coach at UAB. His hire underscores Gray’s vision: physical, disciplined, and relentless defense as the foundation of Rattler football.
Joining Gray’s revitalized staff as quarterbacks coach will be Reid Sanders. Sanders arrives fresh from orchestrating the passing attack at West Georgia, where he swiftly ascended from running backs coach to quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator in just a year—a testament to his adaptability and strategic acumen. A former player at Southern University, he carries not only an understanding of the tradition and expectation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities but also a proven track record of developing quarterbacks from his highly successful high school tenure at Rio Americano in California. For Gray, Sanders isn’t just a hire; he’s a key piece in building a modern, dynamic offense capable of restoring FAMU’s swagger.
But it’s the homecoming of Ron Dugans that resonates deepest in the capital city. The former Florida State wideout, longtime Seminoles assistant, and FAMU High School legend returns to his roots as wide receivers coach and pro scout liaison. Dugans isn’t just a coach—he’s a bridge between eras, a symbol of Tallahassee football excellence, and a proven force on the recruiting trail.
Continuity also played a role in Gray’s planning. He retained three full-time assistants from former coach James Colzie III’s staff: Casey Warming (tight ends and transfer portal/JUCO coordinator), Andre Pope (defensive pass game coordinator and cornerbacks), and Orlando McKinley Jr. (assistant special teams and defensive backs). Their familiarity with the roster offers stability amid change.
Gray also leaned on trusted allies from his successful tenure at Albany State. Nicholas Sewak, who served as offensive line coach under Gray with the Golden Rams, now steps up as co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at FAMU. He’s joined by Chris Cash, who coached safeties at Albany State and previously at Alcorn State, now taking over safeties and nickels for the Rattlers.
Further rounding out the staff are rising talents like Dahon Mixon (defensive ends), most recently a graduate assistant at Alabama State, and Elijah Haggard, who arrives from the University of Buffalo to coordinate special teams and coach the interior defensive line.
The support staff adds yet more depth, highlighted by the appointment of South Florida high school coaching legend Billy Rolle as director of player development and high school relations—a clear sign of Gray’s intent to dominate in-state recruiting. Rolle was an internal part of former FAMU head coach Willie Simmon's staff where he served as Assistant Head Coach / Defensive backs coach.
Gray also named Mycal Victory, Defensive Quality Control and Nickelbacks Coach, Orlando McKinley Jr., Assistant Special Teams Coach and Defensive Backs Coach, Kennedy Marshall, Director of On-Campus Recruiting, David Eggleston, Recruiting Graduate Assistant, Brendan Deanda, Student Offensive Assistant, and Larry Williams, Director of Football Operations/Chief of Staff, a former Rattler football player who most recently worked with the UF football team and served as running backs coach at Tennessee State.
Operating with a $1.2 million salary pool for his assistants—a firm commitment from FAMU administration—Gray has assembled a group that is both deep and diverse in experience, recruiting connections, and schematic expertise.
Spring practice can’t come soon enough for a fanbase hungry to return to the top of the HBCU football world. But with Sunday’s staff announcement, Quinn Gray made one thing clear: he didn’t just hire coaches.
He recruited believers. And the strike has officially been restored.
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thanks for the depth. this is the kind of additional information we were looking for but couldn't find in any of the other stories online
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