Billy Joe fills open coaching positions

FAMUAN STAFF REPORT

Just in time for Spring Practice, which began March 19, the athletic department announced that all open assistant coaching positions had been filled. The positions were made available March 1.

“I’m very elated and quite excited with my six new coaches,” Head Coach Billy Joe said in a release. “They will bring great expertise to their respective assignments, and they will provide an excellent blend of older, more experienced coaches with young, more energetic coaches.”

The announcement comes less than two months after five coaches submitted resignations, including Joe’s brother Jimmy Joe.

The new coaches are as follows:

Bob Cole, brings more than 15 years of experience as an offensive coordinator to the University.

A 1982 graduate of Widener University in Chester, Pa., Cole comes to FAMU from Utah State University, where he was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

Charles Huff will serve as defensive coordinator and oversee special teams and safeties.

A 1985 graduate of Presbyterian (S.C.) College, he served as defensive coordinator and co-special teams coordinator at Norfolk State University in Virginia.

William Orr, will serve as a tutor for the Rattler defensive line.

A 1988 graduate of East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C., he most recently served as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at Heritage High School in Newport News, Va.

Charlie Allen, who has been a graduate assistant coach for the Rattlers since his eligibility ended in 2002, will serve as the receiver’s coach.

A 2002 FAMU graduate in Business Administration, Allen is working toward completion of a Master’s of Business Administration.

Maurice Johnson, a former FAMU linebacker (1996-97), will be mentoring the linebackers. A 1999 FAMU graduate, Johnson served as defensive coordinator at Jefferson County High School in Monticello.

Larry Williams, a former FAMU defensive back, will work with the cornerbacks as the defensive backfield coach.

A 1999 graduate from FAMU, most recently served as a graduate assistant for the Rattlers, tutoring the linebackers and secondary.

The Rattlers began Spring Practice on Saturday.

The traditional Orange and Green Game is scheduled for April 16 at Bragg Stadium.