FAMU president Marva Johnson, today, named John F. Davis, a former Florida State University football player and current secretary of the Florida Lottery, as the university's new vice president and director of athletics. Rattler Nation first reported this impending hire back on October 28.
Davis, who played under former FSU coach Bobby Bowden will assume the role on Jan. 5, 2026. Until then, Michael Smith will continue serving as interim athletic director.
In a statement, Johnson underscored Davis’ “proven ability to manage complex enterprises and oversee budgets,” adding that his selection “marks a new era of innovation, fiscal discipline and transformational leadership for FAMU Athletics.”
Johnson said, Davis will be tasked with strengthening the financial and operational foundation of the athletics program while building on recent competitive achievements, including a Southwestern Athletic Conference football championship and sustained excellence in several sports.
Notably, Angela Suggs, the former athletic director, has returned to the university in a newly created role as special assistant to the president and advisor for intercollegiate athletics.
Davis's appointment is widely regarded as a top-down appointment heavily influenced by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Davis's previous roles include serving as the Black Outreach Coordinator for the Republican Party of Florida, and very minor roles working within the athletic departments at the University of Central Florida and Florida State. It is important to note, that neither FSU nor UCF would consider hiring Davis at the assistant or associate AD level.
“John understands what it takes to compete at the highest level, both on the field and in the boardroom,” Johnson said in a written statement..
Davis's hire further underscores Johnson's subservient behavior and continued reliance on having the Governor's Office and the FL BOG tell her what to do.
This does not pass the smell test. To hire someone who is not qualified as the Athletic Director and then appoint the former director as a Special Advisor to the President for Althetics, why?
ReplyDeletePerhaps to ensure that the new director will make sound decisions because he does not have a clue. What is Ms. Johnson doing besides wasting money?