Coach Joe Taylor abruptly resigns

Florida A&M football coach Joe Taylor, who owns the career Mid- Eastern Athletic Conference wins record, announced he is resigning effective immediately Wednesday night.

Taylor said he planned to retire at the end of the season before the struggling Rattlers ( 3- 6, 3- 3MEAC) lost 16- 3 at North Carolina A& T Nov. 3, but he decided to accelerate his departure plans.

“With the enormous amount of coverage that my retirement has been receiving, I felt itwas best to step aside and let the team focus on the last two games,” Taylor said in a FAMUnews release announcing his decision.

“Withme, it has always been about the student- athletes not me. I want to thank FAMU for the opportunity they gave me to finish outmy coaching career here at this fine institution. I wish themwell in their future endeavors.”

Florida A& Mis slated to hold a press conference today and is expected to introduce an interim coach who will lead the team when the Rattlers play their homecoming game againstNorth Carolina Central Saturday at 3 p. m.

The Rattlers then play rival Bethune- Cookman in OrlandoNov. 17 at 2: 30 p. m. in the Florida Classic.

Taylor posted a 35- 19 record at Florida A& M in five seasons. He previously coached at a variety of schools, including Hampton, Virginia Union and Howard. Taylor finished his career with a 233- 96- 4 record, placing him third among historically black colleges and universities ( HBCU) coaches in career wins.

Eddie Robinson owns the all- time record with 408

career wins.