FAMU football makes blockbuster hire: Earl Holmes

Photo: FAMU Inside Linebacker Coach Earl Holmes brings a Resume with 11 NFL seasons as an impact player for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions.

Although it is the offense that is credited with the success Florida A&M's football program enjoyed in the mid to late 1990's, it was actually a one man wrecking crew on defense that ushered in the Rattlers' golden age under former head coach Billy Joe. His name was Earl Holmes, and if you were an offensive player in 1994 and 1995, you didn't want to see him on the other side of the ball.

CONTINUE READING THIS DEVELOPING STORY BY CLICKING ON THE BLOG TITLE ABOVE.

Like most, I've been waiting patiently for FAMU Coach Joe Taylor to make the announcement that will unite Rattlers from all generations and give Rattler Nation the competitive edge in Florida recruiting. Earl Holmes is a major piece in this puzzle--the only guy that could make folks jump into their cars and drive 2000 miles (round-trip) to see FAMU play in Tallahassee. It did not matter who the opponent was as Earl Holmes was going to implode their offense from his linebacker position before a full house at Bragg Memorial Stadium.

Holmes told the Tallahassee Democrat, ""I am so, so blessed. It's like being drafted again." Mr. Holmes, Rattlers everywhere are blessed and the defensive Gods are rejoicing that we have a former 11 Year NFL talent with your teaching capabilities on our sidelines.

I recall a statement Earl made to a reporter when he first went to the Detroit Lions which exhibits what drives Holmes on the football field and gives him that special leadership quality. “Winning is contagious,” said Holmes. “Once you win one game you want to feed off that. You want to keep that feeling and you want there to be a snowball affect. You want to win as many as you can but all it takes is to win one or two. It all starts with a ‘W.’”

That's the type of defensive attitude that has been missing from Rattler football for sometime. Holmes' notoriety in the Big Bend area also should open many doors to top flight recruits that want to be mentored by an impact player that led his NFL teams for six straight seasons in tackles (Steelers, Browns and Lions).

Here is an updated snapshot of the FAMU coaching staff today:

Head Football Coach - Joe Taylor
1. Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach - Lawrence Kershaw
2. Quarterbacks/Wide Receivers - Steven Jerry
3. Running backs - Aaron Taylor
4. Linebackers/Recruiting Coordinator - Timothy Edwards
5. Defensive Line Coach, George M. Small
6. Inside Linebackers - Earl Holmes
7. Defensive Coordinator -vacant
8. Tight Ends/Special Teams -vacant

-beepbeep