TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Florida A&M coach Joe Taylor is stepping down immediately.

Taylor is leaving with two games remaining in a disappointing season for the Rattlers. Defensive coordinator Earl Holmes will be the acting head coach for Saturday's homecoming game against North Carolina Central and the season finale in Orlando on Nov. 17 against league-leading Bethune-Cookman.

Taylor had originally announced plans last Saturday to retire at the end of the season, but said Thursday that he changed his mind so the decision wouldn't be a distraction for the team as it finishes what has been a disappointing season. Florida A&M (3-6, 3-3 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) is out of contention for a MEAC championship.

Taylor. 62, concludes his coaching career with a 233-96-4 record that includes a 35-19 mark in five seasons at FAMU.