Story by
FAMU OC/QB coach KJ Black to work with L.A. Rams in Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship program
- Story by
- FAMU OC/QB coach KJ Black to work with L.A. Rams in Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship program
As the son of a coach, KJ Black was groomed from birth for a life in football.
Throughout his playing days, he completed passes as a star signal-caller in high school. He then became a record-breaking quarterback at Prairie View A&M.
Advertisement
Black's time in college included winning the MVP of the 2009 SWAC Championship Game after leading the Panthers to a 30-24 victory over Alabama A&M.
In the decade since trading his helmet for a coaching headset, Black has continued to leave a bold mark on offensive playbooks.
Black joined the staff at Florida A&M as a co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in the summer of 2019.
He made an immediate impact in this role, propelling Ryan Stanley to surpass multiple all-time FAMU passing marks. That season concluded with Stanley being named the MEAC Offensive Player of the Year.
The next progression in his reading of coverage will take place as a participant in the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship. Black will be a "fly on the wall" working alongside Sean McVay during the early days of training camp with the Los Angeles Rams .
Advertisement
"This is something I've always wanted to do. It's the perfect time from a family standpoint. I got the call and email to be an intern with the L.A. Rams. This is very exciting," Black said.
"The goal for me is to always be at the highest level. I've always wanted to be one of the most sought-after quarterback coaches and quarterback minds in the country. Someone people seek out for training, advice and schematics."
Named in honor of the three-time Super Bowl champion head coach with the San Francisco 49ers , the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship is designed as a vocational tool to increase the number of full-time NFL minority coaches. All 32 teams in the league participate each year.
More FAMU Athletics: FAMU student-athletes celebrate cultural awareness, new level of competition of playing in the SWAC
Advertisement
More FAMU Athletics: FAMU lures top transfer commits with local ties in Arnold, Walker
More FAMU Athletics: FAMU bows out of MEAC with eight on the conference's Legends of Coaching list
More FAMU Athletics: 'This day will go down in history': Commissioner visits FAMU welcoming SWAC's newest member
Black filled out the online application this spring. He was recently notified of his acceptance. After sharing the news with his wife and daughter, he informed FAMU head coach Willie Simmons and his fellow assistants of the role.
He'll be working at the Rams' training camp facility in Irvine from July 25-Aug. 10.
Advertisement
Along with the daily practice schedule, Black will be involved in all coaching meetings. Off-the-field activities include full access to the film lab and information regarding the Rams' playbook.
"There are so many coaches that would kill to be in that room. I'm going to learn as much as I can. I want to show that I belong. I'm going to represent Florida A&M and HBCUs in the right way," Black said.
The staff at FAMU are showing full support for Black as he takes this major step in his career.
"I'm very excited for KJ. I've been around him for five years. He's done a phenomenal job and he's one of smartest coaches I've been around," Simmons said.
Advertisement
"This is an opportunity for him to grow at the highest level. I told my guys a long time ago, my plan for them is not to be with me for their entire careers. I have future coordinators and head coaches on my staff."
FAMU opens fall camp on Saturday, Aug. 7.
Its season opener is Sunday, Sept. 5 versus Jackson State in the Orange Blossom Classic. This game takes place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens airs live on ESPN2.
Follow FAMU beat writer Rory Sharrock on Twitter @rattlernews and @married2game1.
Never miss a story: Subscribe to the Tallahassee Democrat using the link at the top of the page.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU OC/QB coach KJ Black to work with L.A. Rams in Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship program
