COLLEGE TOWN, Fla. — FAMU appointed John F. Davis as athletic director and Quinn Gray Sr. as football coach Friday, marking new leadership for the university's athletics program.
- University leaders say the hires signal a new chapter focused on competition, stability and accountability across FAMU athletics.
- Both Davis and Gray say they are committed to strengthening the football program and connecting with student athletes as the transition begins.
- Watch the video below to learn how the AD says he plans to handle NIL at the school.
FAMU introduces new athletic director and football coach to lead program's next chapter
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
Florida A&M University introduced two new leaders Friday.
John F. Davis was presented as the new Vice President and Director of Athletics, while Quinn Gray Sr. was formally introduced as the Rattlers’ new head football coach.
I’m neighborhood reporter Lentheus Chaney at FAMU with what was said and why this moment matters for FAMU athletics.
It’s a new chapter for FAMU athletics.
FAMU President Marva B. Johnson welcomed both Davis and Gray during a press conference Friday.
“They are exemplary examples of what talent and what valor we can develop here in Florida,” Johnson said.
John F. Davis steps into the role as Vice President and Director of Athletics at a time when the university is looking to strengthen competition, stability, and accountability across all sports programs.
I spoke with him about the future of the football program and how he plans to recruit in the era of NIL deals.
“It is a enterprise. It is a business. If we're going to be the dominant institution in which we know we can be, in competition as well as in the classroom, we do not want, the opportunity for our coaches to be able to bring in top-tier talent, to not even consider us just because we don't have the most basic operation in place as it relates to NIL,” Davis said.
The appointment of Quinn Gray Sr. marks a return home for the former FAMU quarterback, who now takes over a football program that university leaders say is ready for a new direction.
Quinn says he is proud to be back coaching players who come from the same beginnings as himself.
“When you can relate to a player and then also be able to understand some of the things that comes in, from his background and being able to understand some of the experiences that he has sort of kind of leans towards a better relationship,” Gray said.
University leaders say they expect the transition to begin immediately as both Davis and Gray prepare to step into their roles.
At FAMU, I’m Lentheus Chaney, ABC27.
WATCH PRESS CONFERENCE BELOW:
Last fall, Florida A&M University President Marva Johnson announced the appointment of John F. Davis as the new Vice President and Director of Athletics. Last month, Quinn Gray Sr. was approved by the Board of Trustees as the new Rattlers' head football coach.
Now, both are being formally introduced to the public in a joint press conference.
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