FAMU President Ammons still looking for program's next AD

Ole Miss Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs, Derek Horne is a finalist for the FAMU Rattlers athletic director position. The Quitman, Georgia native is a grad of University of Mississippi (1987) and is in his 14th year with the Rebels athletics department

James Ammons knows exactly what he's looking for in the two finalists for Florida A&M athletic director. And, it's not someone with a strong coaching background. Interim AD Mike Smith interviewed Wednesday for the position that has been vacant since December when Bill Hayes resigned. Ammons didn't disclose the name of the second candidate during an interview Tuesday, but sources have named University of Mississippi associate athletic director for external affairs Derrick Horne as that person.

Horne is expected to meet with athletic department personnel this morning before Ammons makes his choice. That decision will be made before the start of the football season, Ammons said. FAMU also is faced with having to fill five coaching vacancies within the next two months. Baseball has been without a head coach since Robert Lucas was fired in May, and the search also is under way to find head coaches for swimming and men's track and field. Men's and women's basketball have vacancies for assistant coaches.

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B-CU and FAMU slaps MEAC Commissioner with Press Release

B-CU Press Release, July 28, 2008

Office of Institutional Advancement
(386) 481-2950

Joint Statement of B-CU President Trudie Kibbe Reed and FAMU President James H. Ammons Regarding Florida Classic and MEAC-SWAC Challenge

"It has come to our attention that a recent article in the Tallahassee Democrat incorrectly indicates that we, as presidents of Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) and Florida A&M University (FAMU), support the relocation of the MEAC-SWAC Challenge football game to Orlando and to play in the MEAC-SWAC Challenge.

We wish to correct the information that was erroneously printed in the Tallahassee Democrat.

As we have made clear in earlier statements, we do not support any Historically Black College and University (HBCU) athletic event in Orlando. We believe such a contest would negatively impact the annual Florida Classic. In addition to being a much-loved tradition for our alumni, the Florida Classic is a critical revenue source for both B-CU and FAMU. It is our strong belief that scheduling an HBCU football event in Orlando prior to the Florida Classic will erode its brand and put this critical funding source at risk.

We have advised MEAC Commissioner Dennis Thomas of our concerns, noting that HBCUs should not infringe on each other's markets for signature events, whether it be the Florida Classic in Orlando or the Bayou Classic in New Orleans.

In addition, we want to dispel a rumor that the Florida Classic will move to Miami in 2009. This is also not true.

Information regarding the official positions and statements of B-CU or FAMU are issued by the President's Office of each institution. We urge everyone alumni, friends, and media to check with our offices to get the most accurate information on this or other issues."


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B-CU, FAMU presidents want Florida Classic to stay

Photo: FAMU President Dr. James H. Ammons

The contract for the annual football game in Orlando runs out later this year, but the schools want to keep playing in Orlando.

The Florida Classic lost its primary sponsor, but Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman aren't leaving town.

That's the message both university presidents delivered Friday in the wake of news that the Disney decided not to extend a 10-year sponsorship.

"This Classic is more than a game. It is a family reunion that has evolved into the greatest competition between two historical universities in the state of Florida," FAMU President James H. Ammons and B-CU President Trudie Kibbe Reed said in a joint statement.

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FAMU begins hiring process for new athletics director and head football coach

Audio of Florida A&M University President Dr. James Ammons press conference - November 20, 2007, including questions and answers with press corps.

Audio Link: http://tallahassee.com/assets/mp3/CD921311120.MP3

FAMU president released the following statements today involving the termination of the Rattlers athletic director and head football coach.

Press Release: November 20, 2007

Tallahassee, Fla. - Florida A&M University (FAMU) President James H. Ammons said today he would begin the hiring process for a new Athletic Director and Head Coach.

Athletic Director Nelson Townsend resigned today and will be on administrative leave with pay until February 12, 2008, his last day of employment. Head Football Coach Rubin Carter, received a "notice of non-reappointment and employment separation." He has been placed on administrative leave with pay. His last day of employment is April 22, 2008.

Ammons said that he would fill the positions by the end of the year. He announced to the staff in the athletics department this morning that Allen Bogan, an assistant professor and former assistant football coach, would serve as interim until a permanent director is hired.

"I am appreciative of tremendous work Mr. Townsend and Coach Carter have done during the period when we were working to address the NCAA sanctions," said Ammons. "We want to move in a new direction with the athletics program. I'm moving forward with the hiring process."

Townsend began his tenure at FAMU in January 2006 as the athletics director. He has had more than 30 years of experience in athletics and education. He previously served as director of athletics at FAMU from 1986-1987. He also served as athletic director at University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Delaware State University and the University of Buffalo.

Carter was appointed head coach in July 2005. He was an All-American defensive lineman at the University of Miami in 1974 and had a 12-year career in the National Football League with the Denver Broncos. Prior to coming to FAMU, Carter had more than 18 years of professional and collegiate coaching experience.


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