TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Florida A&M University is making major changes to its football program after parting ways with head coach James Colzie III.
- FAMU football, James Colzie III, Henry Burris, Florida A&M football coach, FAMU Rattlers, college football coaching changes, interim head coach, FAMU athletics
- School officials say the move aims to reset the program, strengthen recruiting efforts, and stabilize the team heading into the next season.
- Watch the video below for details on the new interim head coach.
Colzie III out as FAMU head football coach after 2 seasons, new head coach announced
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
The head coach has been fired and an interim coach named.
“When you sign the contract, you know, 2- to 3-year contract, the school wants, you know, they want the job done regardless within that time frame,” said Rattlers fan Ray Tatum.
Florida A&M University announced Monday that head football coach James Colzie III was out after two seasons with the Rattlers.
The school says the move comes as part of an effort to reset the program and push for “sustained competitiveness.”
Neighbor Ray Tatum says Coach Colzie needed more time to turn things around.
“I think it caught the community off guard. I think with the NIL deals and the transferring of the players, it’s hard for the coach to actually develop the team and to get those wins in because it’s like you’re always coaching a new staff,” Tatum said.
In his place, FAMU has promoted quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator Henry Burris to serve as acting head football coach until a long-term replacement is hired.
Academic and athletics officials say Burris’ immediate priorities will include player cohesion, supporting recruiting efforts, and keeping the program stable while the search for a permanent coach gets underway.
FAMU ended the 2025 season with a 5-7 record. That performance helped drive the decision to change course and shift leadership.
We’ll work to bring you reaction from players, coaches, and alumni as the Rattler football program moves forward.
UPDATE (12/09):
Florida A&M Athletics has issued a statement regarding the exit of former Head Football Coach, James Colzie, III. The statement says, "Coach Colzie's leadership during a period of transition and uncertainty provided stability and focus for our student athletes. We wish him continued success in his future endeavors."
It also quotes FAMU President, Marva Johnson, regarding the appointment of Henry Burris to the role of Acting Head Football Coach. "As the nation's top public HBCU, we are committed to operational excellence in everything we do," Johnson says. "Our football program and all Rattler sports are critical drivers of university pride, student recruitment, alumni engagement, and institutional momentum. Success on the field elevates our entire university, creates economic opportunity for our region, and inspires the next generation of Rattler scholars and leaders. This leadership transition reflects our commitment building on the proud legacy of FAMU athletics and its storied superstars, while transforming our programs to meet the demands of today's collegiate landscape—including competing in a dynamic recruiting environment shaped by NIL opportunities--- and positioning FAMU at the championship level our community deserves."
Before his appointment as Acting Head Football Coach, Burris had been FAMU's Quarterbacks Coach and Co-Offensive Coordinator.
Original:
The Florida A&M University has a new head football coach.
FAMU says they have removed James Colzie III from the position. He joined FAMU in 2022 and served as head coach for two seasons.
The university thanked him for his service and commitment to the team in what they called a time of transition.
On Monday, FAMU announced Henry Burris, the quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator, would serve as the acting head football coach until a permanent coach is selected.
According to a news release, Burris's priorities include "managing player cohesion, supporting active recruitment efforts, and ensuring that the program remains focused and prepared as FAMU charts its path forward."
FAMU finished the season with a 5-7 record in 2025 after getting 7 wins in 2024.
FAMU athletics says this move is part of a push by President Marva Johnson to reach "sustained competitiveness" across the school's athletic programs.
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