Quinn Fordham Gray Sr. has been named the 20th head football coach at Florida A&M University (FAMU), following approval by the university’s Board of Trustees. Gray, a former FAMU quarterback and NFL veteran, returns to lead the program where he began his collegiate football career.
“It is my distinct honor to welcome home one of our own, Quinn Gray, as the head football coach of Florida A&M University and the leader of a new era of Rattler excellence,” said President Marva B. Johnson, J.D. “Coach Gray’s journey—as a record-setting student-athlete, an NFL veteran, and a successful head coach—uniquely positions him to lead in today’s highly competitive collegiate athletics environment. He understands how to develop student-athletes who are prepared to compete at the highest levels while navigating Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities, personal brand building, and long-term career success. FAMU’s athletics program is already strong and nationally respected, guided by exceptional leadership across multiple sports. From legendary figures like Charlie Ward to the championship-caliber coaches leading our women’s volleyball and men’s golf programs, our coaches exemplify excellence, discipline, and student-centered leadership. Coach Gray enhances this foundation by bringing a modern, holistic approach that strengthens competitive performance, reinforces accountability, and expands opportunities for student-athletes to thrive on and off the field.”
Gray most recently coached Albany State University’s football team for three seasons. During his tenure there he achieved a 24–11 overall record with a 20–4 mark in conference play. In 2025 he led Albany State to a 12–2 season including an undefeated conference run (8–0) that resulted in a championship title and an appearance in the NCAA Division II quarterfinals.
“I’m home! I am humbled and excited about the opportunity to lead this great program that is known to be the standard in HBCU football and the one that groomed me into the man that I am today,” said Gray. “While I understand the excitement that surrounds this situation, I also understand the timeline and the urgency to get to work and ‘Restore The Strike,’ to our proud institution! I don’t take this opportunity lightly because I know what it means to so many people. So, please understand that I’m #ALL-IN and I need Rattler Nation to be #ALL-In as well!”
Prior to his time at Albany State, Gray coached at Lincoln High School in Tallahassee starting in 2017 before moving on as quarterbacks’ coach at Alcorn State University in 2020. He also previously served as offensive coordinator, associate head coach, and quarterbacks’ coach at Florida A&M from 2011 through 2014.
Gray was born in Fort Lauderdale where he played multiple sports at Dillard High School before choosing FAMU for college. As quarterback for FAMU he set school records for passing yards (7,378), pass attempts (1,113), completions (562), and touchdown passes (57).
After college he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2002. His professional playing career included four seasons with Jacksonville as well as time with other NFL teams such as Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs—and internationally with Frankfurt Galaxy where he won World Bowl XI in NFL Europe.
Gray ended his playing days with New York Sentinels of United Football League in 2009.
He now returns to Tallahassee aiming to build on his track record of player development and competitive results as head coach of Florida A&M’s football program.
