Photo credit: FAMU Athletics
Former Florida A&M University (FAMU) wide-receivers coach Steven Jerry announced on Twitter late last night that he will no longer return to the Rattler’s sideline to coach.
Jerry was informed of his release through a text message but says he is thankful for the relationships he has developed in his time at FAMU.
“My time at FAMU has come to an end,” Jerry said. “I appreciate every relationship developed over that time with the players, families, staff, administration. Now it’s time to move into the next phase. Whatever that may bring. I am thankful.”
The former coach has had the previous stint at FAMU, serving as the quarterbacks and receivers coach from 2008-2013. He was brought back to be the running backs and receivers coach in his second stint with Alex Wood after leaving North Florida Christian High where he was a volunteer coach for two years. During his time with FAMU, he was a big help in the recruiting process serving in the role as recruiting coordinator while still managing his duties as an offensive assistant coach.
According to famuathletics.com, he has also made stops at previous destinations serving as an offensive assistant in two of his stints at William and Mary as Running Backs coach (2000-01, 2004-08), offensive assistant at Virginia State (2002-04), East Tennessee State (2001-02), and taking on double roles as an assistant football coach and assistant track coach for the University of Central Florida (1997-2000).
Jerry is one of the first assistants to be let go from the previous staff by new head coach Willie Simmons, as he is still in the process of putting together a new staff and has officially made a hire earlier today giving former Gators graduate assistant Ryan Smith complete control over the linebackers position.
The team has yet to meet with Willie Simmons since he has been hired by Interim Athletic Director John Eason, but is expected to have a team meeting this Sunday to discuss plans for the team
Players were promptly informed about Jerry’s departure from the team through social media and text messages. Wide-receiver Dock Luckie had positive things to say about the former coach
“Great coach, he’s one of the coaches who really believed in me, he always expected players to do their job. He was always really big on watching film and doing things the right way.”
Wide-receiver Andrew Davis voiced that Jerry was a coach who always wanted players to succeed.
“He was a coach who only wanted the best for his players, the passion he had for each individual to succeed was unbelievable. From the struggles of losing his position to seeing his son continue to play football here at Florida A&M will give him peace of mind with the decision that was made.”
Jerry’s blood still runs deep for FAMU football as he leaves behind his son Chris Jerry, a defensive back for the Rattlers.