In a move that signals both immense faith and a bold vision for the future, FAMU is prepared to make one of the most significant investments in its football program. According to public documents, the FAMU Board of Trustees next week will consider a five-year, $1.4 million contract for head coach Quinn Gray, a deal packed with lucrative incentives and a substantial commitment to providing the resources necessary to win.
Under the terms of the deal, Gray is set to receive a $25,000 signing bonus, “which shall be paid no later than the end of the University’s fiscal year on June 30, 2026
The agreement represents a powerful statement of intent from the FAMU administration. It not only rewards Gray for his steady leadership but also arms him with the financial tools to build a perennial powerhouse in the HBCU landscape and beyond.
Gray would receive a base salary of $240,000 in his first year rising to $320,000 in year five for an average annual salary of $280,000. However, the potential for significantly higher earnings lies in an ambitious incentive structure designed to push the program to new heights.
The bonuses are deeply tied to FAMU’s most cherished rivalries and ultimate goals. A victory in the annual Florida Classic against Bethune-Cookman—a game that pulses with history and passion—would net Gray an immediate $5,000. A win against a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponent, a coveted signature victory for any FCS program, carries a $10,000 reward.
The most substantial rewards are reserved for championship pursuits. Guiding the Rattlers to a SWAC Conference Championship, either in the regular season or tournament, comes with a $12,500 bonus. Earning the conference’s Coach of the Year honor adds another $5,000.
But the true jackpots are in the postseason. A win in the Celebration Bowl, the de facto national championship game for HBCUs, includes a massive $50,000 payout. Even participating in the FCS playoffs triggers a $2,500 bonus, with each subsequent victory adding $5,000 to the total.
Perhaps just as critical as the personal financial terms is the university’s parallel investment in Gray’s infrastructure. The university will provide an annual budget of $1.2 million dedicated solely to assistant coaches and support staff salaries and benefits, a crucial fund for attracting and retaining top-tier talent to the sidelines.
For Gray, a FAMU quarterback legend from 1997-2001, this contract is more than a job; it’s a mandate to cement his alma mater’s status as an FCS force. Gray is a fanbase favorite who has garnered the immense support of alumni. He's is being lauded as an offensive guru and a steady hand who can turn the program around after last year's disappointing 5-7 season under James Colzie III, who was dismissed earlier this month. Now, with this unprecedented show of support, the expectation is clear: the foundation is poured. It’s time to build a dynasty.
Gray, comes to FAMU from D2 Albany State where he just wrapped up a dominant 12-2 season, and compiled an impressive 24-11 overall record in three seasons, turning the program into a SIAC powerhouse and establishing himself as one of the most respected young coaches in the league.
The message is unmistakable: FAMU is all in on Quinn Gray, and the entire FCS college football world is on notice.
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