Legendary FSU Basketball Coach Leonard Hamilton Stepping Down

Florida State announced that men's basketball coach Leonard Hamilton will resign after the 2024-25 season.

The school revealed on Monday that Hamilton will step down after completing his 23rd season with the university. FSU athletic director Michael Alford said he'll immediately start searching for his replacement.

"Coach Hamilton's personal character and integrity, and his leadership, set a tremendous standard for all of FSU Athletics," Alford said. "Few people have been as important in building the positive reputation of Seminole Athletics. FSU's stature as one of the leading brands in college sports has been possible, in part, to his leadership of our men's basketball program. He steadily developed a culture of excellence that reflects his personal values: commitment to academic success, competitive success, community service, leadership, and ongoing personal excellence. The success of the men who have been part of our basketball program is proof of that legacy."

Hamilton began coaching Florida State in 2002 after four seasons at Oklahoma State and a decade at Miami (Florida). He's collected an FSU-record 456 wins with eight NCAA tournament appearances. 

Under his tenure, the three-time ACC Coach of the Year has helped 19 FSU players get drafted. Harrison's Seminoles won the ACC tournament in 2012 and the conference's regular-season title in 2020. 

"I am deeply thankful for the tremendous support of our fans, alumni, and everyone associated with Florida State throughout my time here," Hamilton said. "I am proud of the quality of the young men that it was my privilege to lead, for their faith in this program and in their belief in the philosophy that we tried to instill in them over the years. I have been blessed beyond words for the opportunity and the experience we've had here."