TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Dr. John Eason has been promoted to director of athletics at Florida A&M University.
The FAMU alumnus has served as interim director of Athletics since December 2017.
“It’s an extreme honor to have the opportunity to continue to move FAMU Athletics forward within the scope of the excellence of this great university,” Eason said. “I do not take it lightly and will use all resources available to me to better equip our student-athletes, coaches, and staff to be successful in the classroom and on the fields of competition.”
During his brief tenure, Eason has made several leadership changes in FAMU Athletics, including hiring Willie Simmons as the Rattler’s new head football coach.
“I am excited that Dr. Eason has accepted this position and will become part of my senior leadership team for the long haul. I have been pleased with his ability to make critical and timely decisions in Athletics," said President Robinson. "He has a vision for working with staff, faculty, students, alumni and stakeholders to reinvigorate the program, improve facilities and ensure the continued success of student-athletes in the classroom and on the field.”
Eason is a native of Ocala, Florida, who played football at FAMU from 1964 to 1967, under Hall of Fame coaching legend A.S. “Jake” Gaither. Eason blossomed into an All-America tight end and punter and was inducted into the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame in 1984.
After graduating from Florida A&M, Eason played one year in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders (1968), one season with the British Columbia Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 1969, and later returned to the CFL in 1972 with the Montreal Alouettes.
His coaching stops included 12 years (1981-1992) as receivers coach at FSU and four years as offensive coordinator and receivers coach at South Carolina (1995-98).
During his tenure at FSU, the Seminoles won one national championship (1993) and eight bowl games. Eason also coached seven wide receivers who received All-America recognition including three first-team selections.
In addition, he has held positions as offensive coordinator and associate head coach of the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League during the 2000 season.
He also served as an associate head coach at UGA from 2005-08. He moved in 2009 to director of football operations and to director of player development in 2010.
