The Department of Athletics named Michael Morand as the permanent Head Football Coach on December 12. Morand is the second football coach at the University since the football program restarted in 2002.

“We are very pleased to have Coach Michael Morand as the new football coach at Saint Augustine’s University,” SAU Athletic Director George Williams said. “He will bring a lot of stability to the program and University and continue to guide and lead our student-athletes in a very positive manner academically and athletically.”

Morand took over the Falcons football team after the first game of the 2014 season. The Falcons finished third in the CIAA Southern Division after they were picked fifth in the preseason. Their conference record tied for the sixth-best among 12 CIAA teams after they were predicted to be the ninth-best CIAA team in July 2014.

The Falcons produced three All-CIAA players under Morand’s direction. Tailback Roderick Davenport was selected to the All-CIAA First Team while wide receiver/return specialist Claytin Lewis and offensive lineman Martize Smith were placed on the All-CIAA Second Team. In addition to the All-CIAA picks, seven Falcons were named to the All-CIAA Rookie Team including Lewis, who was selected CIAA Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Morand also earned two coaching accolades during the season. He was named CIAA Coach of the Week and USA College Football Division II National Coach of the Week.

“First of all, I would like to thank God for blessing me with this opportunity,” Morand said. “I want to thank [Interim] President [Everett B.] Ward and Coach Williams for making my dream come true in naming me head football coach at this great university. I look forward to the football program building relationships with the administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni and community.

“The goals that I set forth are to have a 100 percent graduation rate, mold young men and build a championship environment.”

Morand was selected for the NCAA Expert Coaches Forum in Orlando, Fla., in 2009. The Forum teaches upcoming coaches how to become effective Head Football Coaches. Morand also participated in an internship in 2009 with the NFL’s Houston Texans, where he worked closely with then Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan. The Texans ranked fourth in total offense and first in passing offense in the NFL that season.

In 2008, Morand was selected to attend the NCAA Coaches Academy in Indianapolis, Ind. The Academy was developed to train minorities for head coaching positions. He is also a member of the American Football Coaches Association, where he served on the AFCA committee for Professional Development.

Before coming to Saint Augustine’s University, Morand worked in the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles training camp as a scouting assistant during the summer of 2014. In 2013, he was the Defensive Back Coach for the Omaha Beef of the Championship Professional Indoor Football League (CPIFL), where he helped guide the team to the playoffs.

An Atlanta, Ga. native, Morand was the Defensive Quality Control Coach/Linebacker Coach in 2012 and the Offensive Quality Control/ Assistant Wide Receiver Coach in 2011 with the Omaha Nighthawks in the United Football League. He was the Co-Offensive Coordinator, Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers Coach at North Carolina A&T State University during the 2009-2010 season. He also served as the Director of Football Operations at A&T.

During his time at North Carolina A&T, Morand guided one of the top rushing attacks in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Before arriving at A&T, Morand served as the Offensive Coordinator, Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers Coach at Virginia State University in 2007 and 2008.

Under his direction in the 2007 season, Virginia State ranked second in scoring offense, total offense, red zone offense, and passing efficiency; and first in fourth down conversions in the CIAA. In the 2008 season, Morand coached the top-ranked running back and top-ranked wide receiver in the CIAA. Both players were ranked in the top 10 of their respective categories in NCAA Division II. During his two years as Offensive Coordinator, Morand produced six All-CIAA players, one third-team Don Hansen

Prior to his stint at Virginia State, Morand served as Running Backs Coach at Wingate University from 2004-2006. During his tenure at Wingate, Morand helped guide the team to a 21-11 record and several

In 2003, Morand helped start the Barber-Scotia College football program. He was the Assistant Head Football Coach, Offensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator for the team. In 2002, Morand was the Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers Coach at Livingstone College in addition to serving as Recruiting Coordinator and Strength and Conditioning Coach. He coached two players to All-CIAA honors that season.

In 2001, Morand was at the University of West Georgia where he coached running back Nick Price, a Harlon Hill candidate. Morand also gained valuable experience coaching the complex West Coast Offense that season as the team compiled an 8-3 overall record.

Morand has coached four players who either played or are currently playing in the NFL and Canadian Football League (CFL). Offensive lineman Nathan Isles (North Carolina A&T) signed a free agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks and wide receiver Wallace Miles (North Carolina A&T) signed a free agent contract with Detroit Lions. Defensive lineman William Hayes (Barber-Scotia) signed a free agent contract with the Tennessee Titans and tight end Chris Conklin (Wingate) signed a free agent contract with Carolina Panthers.

During his collegiate playing days, Morand was the quarterback at Florida A&M University from 1996-1999. He was coached by the legendary Billy Joe, the fourth winningest NCAA Division I head football coach. With Morand at quarterback, Florida A&M won the MEAC Championship in 1996, the Co-MEAC Championship in 1998 and the Black College National Championship in 1998. The Rattlers participated in the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs each year during Morand’s career.

In high school, Morand helped Southwest DeKalb High School win the Georgia State Championship and earn a No. 11 national ranking in the USA Today poll.

Morand received a Bachelor of Science Degree at Florida A&M University and a Master of Science in Specialization Sports Management at Nova Southeastern University.