Holmes named FAMU's head football coach

FAMU has named Earl Holmes its new head football coach. Holmes, a FAMU graduate and All-American in his playing days with the Rattlers, has served as defensive coordinator the last two years and acting head coach for the final two games of the 2012 season, guiding the program's day-to-day operations thereafter.

Holmes' proposed multi-year contract, which offers him an annual salary of $200,000 over the next four years, must be approved by the FAMU Board of Trustees.

“I believe we have selected the right coach to lead Rattler football,” Interim President Larry Robinson said. “I am impressed with his plan to develop the whole person, not just the student's athletic ability.”

Holmes is overwhelmed with the opportunity to lead the Rattler gridders.

“I am truly humbled," Holmes said. “There is no one you could have selected that will work harder to return FAMU football to the prominence it deserves than I am dedicated to doing."

Holmes, affectionately known as “The Hitman” in his playing days at FAMU, played from 1992-1995, leaving with several school records including most career tackles. He captured NCAA DI-AA and Sheridan Broadcasting All-American honors in 1994 and 1995. He was named Sheridan Broadcasting Network and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 1995.

A three-time first team All-MEAC selection, Holmes was a devastating tackler while at FAMU, completing his career with 509 total tackles, 309 solo takedowns and 200 assisted tackles - all Rattler career records. His 1995 senior season totals shattered all existing school marks for season solo tackles (103) and total tackles (171), highlighted by a spectacular one-man demolition derby performance against Southern University in Atlanta on November 4, when he totaled 30 tackles against the Jaguars.

Following his collegiate career, Holmes was selected in the fourth round of the 1996 National Football League draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played 10 seasons in the NFL as a linebacker, six with Pittsburgh (1996- 2001), one season with the Cleveland Browns (2002) and three with the Detroit Lions (2003-2005) before retiring.

Holmes is married to the former Tiffany Bell and they have one child, Earl Jr.