Former FAMU record-setting QB Gray embraces coaching opportunity at Albany State

Quinn Gray and Willie Simmons reconnected at the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Convention earlier this month in North Carolina.

The pair - synonymous with Florida A&M - talked family, friends and football.

Not to mention new adventures.

Gray faces an exciting challenge in 2023 as a first-time head coach in college football at Division II Albany State in Georgia.

"I think Quinn has a wealth of knowledge and experience," said Simmons, entering his sixth season as the Rattlers' head coach. "We have talked a lot in the past about being a head coach and those ultimate plans. I am really excited for Quinn. I think the Albany State team will reflect Quinn's personality and his philosophy about the game.

"It's a slam-dunk hire."

Gray, 43, a former record-setting quarterback at FAMU who also played in the NFL before he transitioned into coaching, was formally introduced as the Golden Rams' new head coach Monday afternoon at Eula Lovett Hall near the ASU Coliseum on the East Campus.

Gray was hired by the HBCU last month to replace Gabe Giardina, who was named the new head coach at Division I Charleston Southern University.

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Gray is stepping into a tradition-rich program

The Rams have a rich history, winning the 2021 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Football Championship. In fact, the program’s timeline is punctuated by titles – 16 SIAC championships, seven SIAC East Division titles since 2011, and three Black College SBN national titles. The Rams also won 37 games in the past five seasons, including 7-3 in 2022, under Giardina.

Gray applauded and embraced the program's success and culture, stressing he has never been one to shy away from expectations either.

“I stand on the shoulders of giants,” Gray said in reference to the Golden Rams' history.

Gray also shared his mantra for football and life, asking players, fans, supporters and the community to be ALL IN. He explained A stood for attitude; L for love; I for intelligence; and N for now.

"The time is now," Gray said. "I am looking for championships right now. I am looking for student-athletes to impact this university in how we play football here right now."

Gray also explained past experiences as a player and assistant coach have prepared him to become a head coach.

"When your opportunity comes, you have to be prepared for it - not just in football, but that's life," Gray said. "I have always been preparing for this in my life."

Paying his dues; Gray has a strong resume

Gray’s journey is one of hard work, perseverance and faith.

He was a record-setting quarterback at Ft. Lauderdale Dillard High and at FAMU under coach Billy Joe in the Gulf Coast Offense, setting several records and leaving as the school's all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns.

Gray played four seasons in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars, as well as stints in the United Football League and NFL Europe.

Following his playing career, he got into coaching as an associate head coach, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks at FAMU from 2011-14. He was Lincoln High’s head coach from 2017-2020, Alcorn State’s quarterback coach from 2020-21 and a senior offensive analyst at Memphis last season.

Gray was also inducted in the MEAC Hall of Fame and FAMU Sports Hall of Fame in 2020.

“I think he will make a very good head coach – he’s super intelligent, committed, dedicated loves and knows the game. And he has paid his dues,” said Joe, 82, who lives in Hoover, Alabama, and talked on the telephone with Gray earlier this month.

“It’s his time and turn. In order to run our offense, the Gulf Coast Offense, the quarterback is calling all the plays from whistle to whistle, sideline to sideline, end zone to end zone. He knew our entire system and how to apply it on the field.

“I am really excited for him."

Hubbard: 'A great opportunity' for Gray

Former FAMU coach Rudy Hubbard, who coached FAMU to its only NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) national championship in 1978 and was selected into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach in 2021, is also thrilled for Gray.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for Quinn and I am glad to see it happen,” said Hubbard, a Tallahassee resident. “He’s a class guy, a class act.  He’s paid his dues and it’s always great for our program (at FAMU) and, from what I understand, he’s a great coach with a plan.”

Gray is a native of Fort Lauderdale, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education (2006) from FAMU. He is married to Shemeka Gray, and they have six children, Quine, Destiny, David, Quinn Jr., Ashton, and Londyn.

"Quinn has a great personality and works well with people," said Simmons, whose Rattlers beat Albany State last season at Bragg Memorial Stadium. "As coaches, we are trying to take all of our experiences we've had over the years and make it all fit together.

"I think this (hiring) shows his persistence and hard work."

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Former FAMU great Quinn Gray formally introduced at Albany State