Florida State isn't kidding about connecting with the past.
First, Seminoles legend Deion Sanders came out publicly in support of new head coach Willie Taggart and said he's planning to help Taggart in any way he can.
Then, Taggart spent some time last month visiting with coaching icon Bobby Bowden and assured Bowden that he wants him to start spending more time around the program.
Now, the Seminoles are working out a plan to bring 1993 Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward back to the program in an official capacity.
Ward, who has been coaching high school football in Pensacola at Booker T. Washington High, resigned from the school this week and is planning to move back to the Tallahassee area. Ward said his new position with FSU won't be finalized until later this month, but it will be some type of "ambassador" position -- not a coaching role.
Ward, whose parents and other family members still live in his hometown of Thomasville, Ga., told Warchant on Friday that he and his wife, Tonja, have been thinking of getting back to the area in recent years.
With his oldest son, Caleb, finishing his senior year of high school, the timing could be ideal.
"It's been something we have been wanting to do at some point to get closer to the family in Thomasville," said Ward, who also has two younger children, Hope and Joshua. "This was the right time as we prepare to get our kids prepared for school next year."
Ward, who has coached high school football in Houston and Pensacola since retiring from a playing and coaching career in the NBA, has remained close to the Florida State program for years, even participating in alumni flag football games. He also has mentored players like Jameis Winston during their college careers.
But Ward told Warchant in late January that he was especially intrigued by the excitement Taggart was bringing to the program.
Taggart, a lifelong Seminole fan, scored points with Ward by retaining longtime assistant coach Odell Haggins and bringing back one of Ward's college teammates, Greg Frey, to coach offensive line. Ward also said he has enjoyed meeting several members of Taggart's new staff.
"I'm excited about what he's doing," Ward said in the earlier interview. "It's a new era, a new time. And I like his message -- to the guys and to everyone -- do something. But the biggest thing is I like his attitude toward the kids.
"It's kind of a bridge," Ward added. "Not saying it was a far cry from Jimbo [Fisher] to Coach Bowden. But he's kind of in the middle of those two."
Ward, who starred in football and basketball at Florida State, played for the NBA's New York Knicks from 1994-2004 before finishing his career with the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets.
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