Byron Samuels will not return as FAMU head coach

Following a 7-23 (5-11) season, Florida A&M is parting ways with head basketball coach Byron Samuels. The Rattlers have not been to the NCAA Tournament since 2007 and won just 17 total games in three years under Samuels.

Initially, Samuels inherited a decimated roster that needed to be built nearly from the ground up. Despite an increase in wins between his first and second years, the program slid backwards a bit in year three and athletic director Milton Overton Jr. decided it was time to make a change.

“Restructuring our program with a continued emphasis on academic achievement and competitive success will be key components in moving FAMU basketball forward,” Overton said on Friday. “We would like to thank Coach Byron Samuels for his contributions to our men’s basketball program and student-athletes over the past three seasons.”

A national search is underway and assistant Lamont Franklin is will act as interim head coach.