Colzie signs a three-year deal with FAMU

FAMU’s new Head Football Coach James Colzie, III, who was formally introduced on Monday, will receive a significant boost in compensation.  Yesterday, Colzie signed a three-year contract that will see him earn an immediate 353.85 percent raise, propelling his base salary from $65,000 in 2023 to $230,000 in the first year of the contract. In the second year, Colzie is slated to earn $240,000, followed by $250,000 in the third year.

Colzie, Pres. Larry Robinson,
and COO/EVP Donald Palm

Colzie was elevated to head coach after serving as the interim head coach for 27 days following the departure of Willie Simmons, who resigned on January 1, to become the running backs coach at Duke University. Colzie joined the FAMU football staff ahead of the 2022 season, as the cornerbacks coach.   

In addition to his base salary, Colzie has the potential to earn up to $95,000 in annual bonuses. The bonuses include a maximum of $50,000 for a victory in the Celebration Bowl,  $12,500 for a SWAC Conference Championship, $2,500 if the Rattlers participate in the FCS playoffs, $5,000 for winning an FCS playoff game, $5,000 if he names Conference Coach of the Year, and $10,000 if he wins a game against an FBS opponent.

Additionally, Colzie could earn another $10,000 if his team performs well academically by achieving an a yearly NCAA APR score of 960.

Colzie’s first-year salary is about $70,000 less than the base-salary earned by former head football coach Simmons. 

Colzie may have to hire a DC

The elevation of Coach Colzie ushers in a new chapter in FAMU football. In a significant turn of events, it appears that FAMU's associate head coach and defensive coordinator, Ryan Smith, may be leaving the program.

Last night, through the social platform X (formerly Twitter), Smith is the mastermind behind FAMU's renowned 'Dark Cloud Defense' and has spent the last six years with the Rattlers, joining Simmons’ inaugural coaching staff in 2018. 

Smith spearheaded the development of a dominant Rattlers defense that has been a mainstay near the top of the Football Championship Subdivision total defensive rankings.

In the past two years, FAMU's defense has produced two current players who are on NFL rosters  Markquese Bell (Dallas Cowboys) and Isaiah Land (Indianapolis Colts).  Smith did not indicate where he might be going.

Smith did not disclose his future plans or where his coaching career might take him next. The void left by his departure raises questions about the continuity of the 'Dark Cloud Defense' and how Coach Colzie will shape the team's defensive strategy moving forward.