After a record-setting HBCU football career at Florida A&M University (FAMU) and a strong coaching run at Albany State, Quinn Gray is now in the formal process of becoming the next head football coach of the Rattlers, as contract details have been released and an emergency BOT meeting has been scheduled. His path back to Tallahassee reflects a mix of preparation, growth, and timing.
Building a Coaching Foundation
Gray’s rise into serious contention came from years of steady development. He served as offensive coordinator under former FAMU head coach Earl Holmes. He later left to rebuild the Lincoln Trojans into one of Tallahassee’s premier high school programs. Under his guidance, Lincoln reached the state playoffs multiple times.
In 2020, Gray joined the staff at Alcorn State University, which helped expand his HBCU coaching résumé. He then accepted an analyst role at the University of Memphis. By 2023, he returned to the collegiate sidelines as the head coach at Albany State.
Transforming Albany State into a Contender
In just three seasons, Gray delivered extraordinary results at ASU. He recruited and developed quarterback Isaiah Knowles, who earned SIAC Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2024 and 2025. His teams often dominated the All-SIAC selections, and this season he led the Golden Rams to an undefeated conference championship. Six players made the All-Region team.
Albany State’s only loss of the 2025 regular season came by one score, and it happened against FAMU. His lone Division II defeat came in the second round of the NCAA Playoffs. Injuries forced him to start a fourth-string walk-on quarterback, yet the Golden Rams still won 12 games—the most in school history.
A Distinct Offensive Identity
Gray’s offensive approach blends creativity with discipline. At times, his schemes mirror the influence of his mentor, Black College Football Hall of Fame coach Billy Joe. The Golden Rams showcased high-powered Gulf Coast-style fireworks when needed. They also leaned on a punishing run game to control tempo…