After joining the club prior to the 2022 season and serving as the defensive secondary coach, James Colzie III, a former star player for Florida State, was formally introduced as the new head football coach at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). Colzie assumed the position on Saturday after being designated interim head coach during the university’s coaching search after Willie Simmons left for Duke University.

Director of Athletics and Vice President of FAMU Tiffani-Dawn Sykes announced the appointment with the statement, “I am thrilled to announce Coach James Colzie Ill as our new head football coach.”

The Miami, Florida native competed in two sports and was a true freshman defensive back for FSU, where he helped the team capture the 1993 BCS National Title. He played baseball at Florida State in 1994 as well.

Colzie remarked in a statement issued by FAMU, “I am eternally grateful to President Robinson and our Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Tiffani-Dawn Sykes for their confidence in me.” “It’s truly an honor to join names like William Bell, Jake Gaither, Rudy Hubbard, Billy Joe, and Willie Simmons to hold the illustrious title of Head Football Coach at Florida A&M, and I am ready to do my part of carrying on the tradition of this storied university as the #1 public HBCU in the country.”

Before moving on to coach special teams and defensive backs at Florida International University (FIU), Colzie played five seasons with the ‘Noles and was a member of the team that won the program’s first national championship in 1993. Colzie later served in a similar capacity as a graduate assistant coach for the defensive backs and special teams in Tallahassee from 2004 to 2006 under the famed head coach Bobby Bowden.

Helping lead the Rattlers to a 12-1 record and their first SWAC Championship and Celebration Bowl 20 last season. He also helped coach first-round NFL draft pick Antonio Cromartie (2006) and second-round pick Bryant McFadden (2005) during his time at Florida State. Colzie began his time with the Rattlers as cornerbacks coach and now will get a chance to lead the program.