Florida A&M

Former Rattlers' Football Coach, Voice of Rattler Sports Network Michael Thomas Passed Away

8/1/2022 6:00:00 PM

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. | Rattler Nation has lost a member of the FAMUly as Florida A&M Sports Hall of Fame Class of '22 Inductee Michael Thomas passed away.

"Mike was a mentor to the guys he had the opportunity to coach while he was here," said Interim Director of Athletics Michael Smith. "I've received quite a few messages from friends and former players expressing their condolences. Most importantly, FAMU is a better place because of Mike Thomas, who took time out with some of us guys that would not have had someone look out after us like he did.

"Mike was a good mentor, he cared about the students, the student-athletes, and he always wanted what was best for us. Also, as one of the voices of the Rattlers, he will be missed, and we want to continue to support his family during these times."

Michael Thomas, a native of Tallahassee, spent 30+ seasons as a color analysts on the Rattler Sports Network. Thomas and Florida A&M Sports Hall of Famer Al Chester spent the 2021-22 season calling all of the Rattlers' football games and home games for the men's and women's basketball games.

Thomas originally served as a graduate assistant before being elevated to an assistant coach for FAMU football under the legendary Coach Rudy Hubbard. Thomas was part of Florida A&M's 1978 FCS (formerly known as Division I-AA) National Championship team as a graduate assistant. Thomas was also on the staff that defeated the Miami Hurricanes 16-13 in 1979.

"I'm sorry he's gone because he was such a brilliant guy," said legendary Hall of Fame Head Coach Rudy Hubbard. "Costa Kittles was my offensive coordinator, and then when he left, Mike became my coordinator for a little while. He was so sharp that he just passed everyone up. He was quick and diagnosed things quickly and very well."

Funeral arrangements are pending.

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