​As Florida A&M’s total defense trends toward the bottom of the Southwestern Athletic Conference and is also low in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision, first-year head football coach Quinn Fordham Gray Sr. is making a change.Safeties and nickelbacks coach Christopher Cash will handle defensive play-calling duties for the remainder of the season. The responsibility was formerly held by defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Ryan Lewis Sr.”We’re going to change our playcalling duties in terms of the defensive coordinator,” Gray told local reporters on Monday during his weekly pregame press conference. “Coach Chris Cash will handle the playcalling duties from here on to the rest of the season.”The decision was made Sunday, Nov. 1. Gray noted that “trust” in Cash and his ability to adjust informed the decision, as their history dates back to their time as assistants at FAMU in 2013 and 2014. The coaches also previously worked together at Albany State for three years, with Cash serving as the defensive coordinator. In 2025, the former University of Southern California star and National Football League cornerback (Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons) led the Golden Rams to become the top total defense in Division II en route to being named the level’s Black College Football National Champions.Through nine games and a 2-7 start, FAMU is 103rd out of 124 teams in total defense. FAMU’s run defense is the main culprit, ranking 122nd in the FCS and worst in the stat, giving up 233.9 rushing yards per game. “I thought Coach Lewis did an admirable job of preparing our guys and trying to put them in position to make plays,” Gray said. “But from my standpoint, I didn’t think our kids were reacting to some of the things that were being done. And that’s truly what it’s all about. I just think what we’re doing just isn’t leading up to the success we’d like to have, especially from a run game standpoint.” In last Saturday’s Oct. 31 Halloween clash, Southern ran for 311 yards, led by Trey Holly’s 206 and two touchdowns en route to beating the Rattlers on their own home field 42-14.”We’re looking for some improvement and a jolt,” Gray said. “I think our guys will get a little bit of some excitement when it comes down to maybe just hearing a different voice, and we’re looking for something to get our guys going. Hopefully this is something that’ll do that.”When asked what Lewis’ role will look like moving forward, Gray said that he’s “in the process of having conversations” and will have more clarity Monday evening.He added that the demotion isn’t an indictment against Lewis’ coaching ability.”Nothing against him or his coaching style, because I think he’s a damn good football coach,” Gray said. “I just felt it was best to make this decision and give us an opportunity to go into November and try to win November. Because this is the fourth quarter of our season, and that’s what we’re going to focus on.” Cash will have quite the first test as