Now that FAMU has settled on a new football coach, it is now time to turn our attention to the next big coaching vacancy -- mens basketball.
The FAMU Rattlers basketball program finds itself in the midst of a tumultuous period under the leadership of Coach Robert McCullum. The past few seasons have been marred by disappointments, with the team struggling to find its footing and facing increasing criticism from fans and observers alike.
Last year's campaign concluded with a dismal 7-22 (5-13 SWAC) record, marking the Rattlers' worst performance in six years. Plagued by inconsistency and a lackluster showing in the SWAC, FAMU failed to quality for the conference tournament, add further frustration for the Rattler faithful.
This season the woes have only deepened. After 17 games, FAMU sports a preposterously poor .188, standing at 3-14 overall (1-5 SWAC). Coach McCullum, now in his seventh season at the helm has approximately 150 days left on his current employment agreement, set to expire on June 30th.
The Rattlers dismal performance on the hardwood this season have been shielded from the spotlight, thanks in part to the dysfunction caused by a prolonged search for the new football coach.
While McCullum has shown an ability to recruit talent, issues seem to arise once players arrive on campus. Reports suggest a strained and adversarial relationship between the coach and his players, with visible signs of discontent on the court. Players expressions and body language tell a story of players who do not seem to enjoy playing under McCullum's leadership.
The team hit rock bottom on Nov. 29th when the Rattlers suffered a humiliating 92- 85 defeat to to D2 Albany State in the Lawson Center, a loss that shocked fans and signaled deeper troubles within the program.
The downward spiral continued yesterday with a 76-67 loss to a struggling 4-15 Alcorn State team at home. Their record is now 3-14 (1-5 SWAC), amplifying concerns about the team's future in the conference.
While there is always time to turn things around, the writing on the wall suggests that FAMU should start preparing for the future. For some, this must include a new coach manning the sidelines if the Rattlers are to reclaim their status in the competitive world of collegiate basketball.