The 2009 Florida Atlantic Owls football team represented Florida Atlantic University (FAU) as a member of the Sun Belt Conference during the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Led by ninth-year head coach Howard Schnellenberger, the Owls compiled an overall record of 5âÂÂ7 with a mark of 5âÂÂ3 in conference play, tying for third place in the Sun Belt. The team played home games at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The Florida Atlantic Owls entered the 2009 season hoping to rebound on what was considered a disappointing 2008 campaign. The 2008 team ended the season 7âÂÂ6 overall and 4âÂÂ3 in conference, despite returning an overwhelming majority of starters from the 2007 conference championship team. Quarterback Rusty Smith entered his senior season. The 2009 team looked to rebuild on defense, losing defensive star, Frantz Joseph, and a number of other key starters. The Owls also had a new offensive system, as Gary Nord, offensive coordinator for Florida Atlantic since 2005, took the same job at Purdue University.
Alfred Morris broke several program records during the 2009 season.