Grambling State University is making a major move in its men’s basketball program. On Thursday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that the Tigers will hire Patrick Crarey II, the current head coach at Florida A&M University, as the program’s next leader. Crarey will replace longtime Grambling coach Donte Jackson, who recently accepted the head coaching job at Alabama A&M University.
Crarey arrives at Grambling with a proven track record of success. Before taking over at Florida A&M, he spent more than a decade coaching in the NAIA, where he earned a reputation for turning around programs and building competitive teams. In his lone season at Florida A&M, Crarey led the Rattlers to a 13–16 overall record and a 10–8 mark in Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) play, a notable improvement from the previous season.
Prior to his SWAC coaching debut, Crarey made his mark at St. Thomas University, guiding the team to a Sun Conference regular-season title and earning Coach of the Year honors. He also enjoyed success at Washington Adventist University, where he led the program to a national championship and multiple winning seasons.
Grambling State Athletic Director has praised the hire, citing Crarey’s leadership skills, recruiting ability, and commitment to player development as key reasons for bringing him on board. Crarey himself expressed excitement about joining Grambling’s storied program, emphasizing that his coaching philosophy focuses on “relationships first, then championships.”
With Grambling’s recent rise in the SWAC under Donte Jackson, Crarey inherits a team with high expectations. Fans and alumni will be eager to see if his winning background can push the Tigers to the next level in the conference and beyond.
This coaching change marks a new chapter for Grambling State men’s basketball, blending tradition with fresh leadership.
