Florida’s Space Coast reached double digits by hosting 10 orbital rocket launches during January — a speedy cadence that, if it continues, would easily surpass last year’s annual record of 93 orbital rocket liftoffs.
Will the 2025 launch total set another new record? Stay tuned. Crews at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and neighboring Cape Canaveral Space Force Station are gearing up for a busy February, primarily comprised of SpaceX Starlink internet satellite missions and the NASA-SpaceX Intuitive Machines moon lander mission.
Following are the latest missions coming up from the Cape. All launches are listed in Eastern Standard Time. But be aware: Dates and times routinely change for a wide variety of reasons.
For the latest mission updates and space news, visit floridatoday.com/space. For questions or comments, email FLORIDA TODAY Space Reporter Rick Neale at Rneale@floridatoday.com.
Cape Canaveral:Rocket launches in Florida: Here’s an updating list of all 2025 missions from Cape Canaveral
February Missions from Cape Canaveral, Florida: Exploring the Final Frontier
As we enter the second month of the new year, Cape Canaveral, Florida is gearing up for a series of exciting space missions that are set to push the boundaries of human exploration and scientific discovery. From launching new satellites into orbit to sending spacecraft to the far reaches of our solar system, February promises to be a month filled with awe-inspiring moments and groundbreaking achievements.
One of the most anticipated missions is the launch of the Perseverance rover, NASA’s latest Mars exploration vehicle. Set to lift off on February 18th, the rover will embark on a journey to search for signs of ancient life on the Red Planet and pave the way for future human missions. Equipped with state-of-the-art instruments and technology, Perseverance is poised to revolutionize our understanding of Mars and its potential for supporting life.
In addition to the Mars mission, Cape Canaveral will also be hosting a number of satellite deployments and resupply missions to the International Space Station. These missions play a crucial role in supporting scientific research and space exploration, as well as providing essential supplies to the astronauts aboard the ISS.
As we look ahead to the exciting month of February, let us marvel at the incredible feats of engineering and ingenuity that are taking place right here on Earth. Join us as we witness history in the making and take one step closer to unlocking the mysteries of the universe. Stay tuned for updates and live coverage of these missions as they unfold, and prepare to be inspired by the wonders of space exploration.
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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump mostly stuck to sports and avoided any talk of tariffs as he celebrated the NHL’s defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers at the White House on Monday.
The ceremony was delayed nearly an hour because Trump was talking to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about pausing tariffs on the country, as he did with Mexico.
Trump made repeated references to Panthers owner Vinnie Viola being a friend. Viola was briefly Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of the Army in 2016 before withdrawing from consideration.
See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories.
The team had a red customized “Trump 45-47” jersey framed for him. He was also presented a “Trump 47” jersey and a gold stick by Viola, Finnish captain Aleksander Barkov and American forward Matthew Tkachuk.
The Panthers made their White House visit before facing the Eastern Conference-leading Washington Capitals on Tuesday night.
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President Trump welcomed the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers to the White House today, but notably avoided discussing tariffs or trade issues during his meeting with the team.
Instead, Trump stuck to talking about hockey, praising the Panthers for their impressive season and congratulating them on their championship win. He even took the time to shoot a few pucks on the White House lawn with some of the players.
While some critics may have expected Trump to use the visit as an opportunity to discuss his administration’s trade policies, the president seemed content to leave those topics off the agenda for the day. Instead, he focused on celebrating the Panthers’ success and enjoying a lighthearted moment with the team.
It was a refreshing change of pace for Trump, who is known for his outspoken views on trade and tariffs. Perhaps he just wanted to take a break from those contentious issues and enjoy a moment of sportsmanship with the Stanley Cup champions.
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Feb. 3 (UPI) — More than seven months after the Florida Panthers won their first Stanley Cup, the team will visit the White House on Monday to commemorate the win.
It will be the first visit by a sports team with President Donald Trump during his second term as president.
Team members flew from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to Dulles International Airport earlier Monday.
On Sunday, the Panthers defeated the New York Islanders 6-3 at their home at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla. They remain atop the Atlantic Division at 32-19-3 in their third consecutive win.
On Tuesday, the Florida team will face the host Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena, where Trump celebrated after his inauguration two weeks ago.
Boston Celtics were the last team to be honored at the White House in November after winning the NBA title on June 18 against the Dallas Mavericks. They met with President Joe Biden.
Six days after the NBA final, the Panthers defeated the defending champion Edmonton Oilers in Sunrise. The Panthers lost the 2023 championship in the finals.
Other South Florida professional titles were the NFL Miami Dolphins in 1972 and 1973, the baseball Miami Marlins in 1997 and 2003, and the NBA Miami Heat in 2006, 2012 and 2013.
During Trump’s first term, 20 major sports teams won championships but only 10 celebrated at the White House.
Trump did not invite some of the winning teams and others expressed no desire to attend even if they had received an invitation.
In 2017, Trump served fast food when he welcomed the Clemson Tigers after winning their 2016 college football title.
President Donald Trump announced today that he will be welcoming the Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, to the White House for a special ceremony in their honor. The Panthers recently clinched their first ever Stanley Cup victory, and Trump is eager to celebrate their historic achievement.
The ceremony will take place next week, and Trump is expected to praise the team for their hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship throughout the season. He will also present the players and coaching staff with a special commemorative gift to mark the occasion.
The Florida Panthers have had an incredible season, and their Stanley Cup win has brought great pride and excitement to their fans across the country. This visit to the White House will be a memorable and prestigious moment for the team, and a chance for them to bask in the glory of their well-deserved victory.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting event as details are finalized. Congratulations to the Florida Panthers on their remarkable achievement! #FloridaPanthers #StanleyCupChampions #WhiteHouseCelebration
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SUNRISE — The Florida Panthers enjoyed themselves on Sunday with a comeback win against the Islanders on the night they celebrated Dmitry Kulikov’s 1,000th NHL game before flying to Washington for a Monday visit to the White House.
The defending Stanley Cup champions normally would have flown to Washington on Monday afternoon.
Due to their special stop at the White House with the Stanley Cup, the Panthers flew out late Sunday night.
They had some business to take care of first.
After beating the Islanders 6-3, the team gathered inside the Amerant Bank Arena to toast Kulikov after he played in his milestone game Wednesday against the Los Angeles Kings.
Kulikov was honored by the Panthers before Sunday’s win against the Islanders with the team holding a special on-ice ceremony after wearing his No. 7 jerseys in their warmup.
“I love it for the kids,’’ said Paul Maurice, referring to Kulikov’s two children being gifted mini versions of the traditional silver stick that he got from Bill Zito.
“The families don’t get to really be a part of a lot of things and then they get down on the ice for a pretty special night there last year. It’s a wonderful thing for the kids to be able to stand there and have their father recognized for such an accomplishment. I’m happy for him and his family.”
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After hanging out with Kulikov, his family, and other invited guests, the team headed to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
The Panthers took a later-than-usual flight to Dulles for today’s afternoon session at the White House.
The Florida Panthers will be the first 2023-24 championship team to be celebrated at the White House under the new administration.
The Boston Celtics were honored for their 2024 NBA title at the White House in November.
Before leaving, the Panthers had a bit of a fight on their hands.
The Islanders had won seven straight, including 3-2 in overtime the night before in Tampa.
Despite having two of their top players out due to injuries sustained against the Lightning — and, starting a goalie making his NHL debut — the Islanders gave Florida all it could handle.
Carter Verhaeghe scored the first two of his three goals in the opening period against Jakub Skarek, only New York stormed back in the second with three straight goals.
Evan Rodrigues tied the score at 3 at 17:52 of the second by snaring a rebound of Anton Lundell’s shot and slid a backhand past the sprawling stick of Skarek.
Sam Reinhart made it 4-3 with 51 seconds left in the period, finishing off a rush he started by tapping in a pass from Gus Forsling.
The Panthers never trailed again.
“After the first period, we had to come back,” said Islanders coach Patrick Roy, the Hall of Famer who swept the Panthers in the 1996 Stanley Cup Final with Colorado.
“And it’s too bad. We took a 3-2 lead and there is a reason why they won the Stanley Cup, isn’t there? They are a good team, a team plays the right way and are very disciplined in their structure. We learned a lot tonight.”
Verhaeghe made it 5-3 to get his fourth career hat trick, and Matthew Tkachuk polished the game portion of the night with an empty-net goal.
“It was nice,’’ Verhaeghe said. “I’ve been shooting a lot lately and to get a couple, it feels pretty good. Our team is playing really well. I’m getting some chemistry with Barkov and Reinhart out there and it’s really nice that they’re finding me in great areas.”
The Panthers have won three straight going to Washington, and hold a three-point lead in the Atlantic Division on the Maple Leafs.
The Panthers visit the Capitals on Tuesday night.
“I think the games where we come to play right from the start is where we are at our best,” Verhaeghe said.
“It is kind of a mindset thing we like to have, and we had it tonight.’’
Today, the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers made a special visit to the White House to celebrate their historic victory. The team, led by captain Aleksander Barkov, was greeted by President Joe Biden and other government officials as they were honored for their incredible achievement.
During the visit, the players had the opportunity to tour the White House, meet with President Biden, and take photos with the iconic Stanley Cup trophy. They also had the chance to discuss their championship season and the hard work and dedication that led them to victory.
The Panthers’ visit to the White House was a memorable and special moment for the team and their fans, as they were able to be recognized on a national stage for their outstanding performance. Congratulations to the Florida Panthers on their Stanley Cup victory, and we wish them continued success in the upcoming season. #FlaPanthers #StanleyCupChampions #WhiteHouseVisit
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MIAMI – President Donald Trump will welcome the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers to the White House on Monday afternoon to celebrate their historic victory.
The Panthers are the first professional sports team to visit Trump at the White House since he regained office.
Florida captured its first-ever Stanley Cup in June, defeating the Edmonton Oilers in seven games in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.
The Panthers secured their championship in front of more than 19,000 fans at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, with a 2-1 victory in Game 7.
Sam Reinhart and Carter Verhaeghe scored for Florida, while goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky made 23 saves to seal the win.
The hard-fought series saw Florida take a commanding 3-0 lead before dropping the next three games, narrowly avoiding becoming the second team in NHL history to lose the Stanley Cup Final after leading 3-0. The 1942 Detroit Red Wings remain the only team to suffer that fate.
The victory also denied Edmonton its first championship since 2006 and prevented Oilers captain Connor McDavid from securing his first Stanley Cup.
Across South Florida, fans packed watch parties, erupting in cheers as the Panthers clinched their long-awaited title.
Today, President Donald Trump welcomed the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers to the White House for a special ceremony honoring their incredible victory. The team, led by captain Aleksander Barkov, was honored for their hard work, dedication, and talent that led them to their first ever championship win.
During the ceremony, President Trump praised the Panthers for their outstanding performance throughout the season and their resilience in the playoffs. He commended their teamwork and sportsmanship, highlighting their ability to come together and achieve greatness on the ice.
The Panthers players and coaching staff were thrilled to be recognized at the White House, and expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate their victory with the President. They presented President Trump with a personalized team jersey and thanked him for his support of the team and the sport of hockey.
Overall, the event was a memorable and exciting moment for the Florida Panthers, as they were able to bask in the glory of their championship win and share their success with the highest office in the land. Congratulations to the Florida Panthers on their historic Stanley Cup victory!
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#Trump #hosts #Stanley #Cup #champion #Florida #Panthers #White #House
Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton is resigning following this season’s conclusion and will not return to the program for the 2025-26 season, the school announced on Monday.
Hamilton has been with the program since 2002 and has compiled a 456-290 record in 23 seasons at FSU and is 634-500 overall in 38 seasons in his career as a college head coach including stops at FSU, Miami and Oklahoma State. Hamilton was also 19-63 in one season (2000-01) coaching the Washington Wizards, led by Michael Jordan, in the NBA.
“I am deeply thankful for the tremendous support of our fans, alumni, and everyone associated with Florida State throughout my time here,” Hamilton said in a statement. “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.”
The news of Hamilton not returning to the program comes amid a four-game losing streak and Florida State is currently 13-9 overall and 4-7 in ACC play this season.
However, Hamiton’s career at FSU will be remembered by his many succesful seasons includig several impressive NCAA Tournament runs.
Hamilton has guided Florida State to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament three times in his tenure, including an appearance in the Elite Eight in 2017. The Seminoles reached the Sweet 16 in 2021 — the program’s last appearance in the Big Dance. Hamilton has led Florida State to 12 20-win seasons during his tenure.
There has been an enormous amount of change throughout the ACC in the last few years. Conference realignment changed the landscape of college basketball with Cal, Stanford and SMU joining the league to expand membership to 18.
Some of the game’s most legendary coaches departed in the last few years. It started with former North Carolina coach Roy Williams stepping down in 2021. Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski retired the following season, and then Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim retired in 2023.
The change in the ACC coaching world continued just days before the start of the 2024-25 season when Virginia coach Tony Bennett suddenly announced his retirement. Miami Jim Larrañaga, the winningest coach in program history, stepped down mid-season the day after Christmas. With Hamilton not returning, Clemson coach Brad Brownell, who has been coach of the Tigers will be the longest-tenured coach in the conference next season.
After 19 seasons at the helm of the Florida State Seminoles basketball program, Leonard Hamilton, the winningest coach in school history, has announced that he will be stepping down at the end of the season.
Hamilton, who has amassed a record 429 wins during his tenure, has led the Seminoles to unprecedented success, including multiple NCAA tournament appearances and a trip to the Elite Eight in 2018. Known for his defensive prowess and ability to develop players, Hamilton has been a pillar of consistency and excellence in Tallahassee.
In a statement released by the university, Hamilton expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Seminoles and thanked the players, coaches, and fans who have supported him throughout his tenure. He also stated that he believes it is time for a new voice to lead the program and continue its upward trajectory.
As Florida State prepares to honor Hamilton in his final season, fans and players alike will undoubtedly look back on his legacy with fondness and appreciation for all that he has accomplished. The search for his successor will begin in earnest, but for now, the focus remains on finishing the season strong and sending Coach Hamilton out on a high note.
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A seismic shift is happening as it pertains to the Florida State Seminoles and their men’s basketball program, as head coach Leonard Hamilton is stepping down and will not return next season, On3’s Pete Nakos confirmed.
“Leonard Hamilton will resign from his post after 23 years at the school,” Corey Clark of Warchant wrote. “The announcement is expected to come after Hamilton speaks with his team in a 3 p.m. meeting. Hamilton, who was in the final year of his contract, will coach out the rest of the season for the Seminoles before stepping down.
“He also has agreed to help FSU with the transition process to a new head coach and could remain with the program in a yet-to-be-determined capacity.”
Hamilton began his tenure in Tallahassee back in 2002. Since then, he’s led the Seminoles to immense success, like an Elite Eight appearance during the 2017-2018 season. He’s won over 450 games with the program, but the last few seasons have been tough on the program.
They’ve fallen short in many aspects, and even though Hamilton has been able to steady the ship a bit, they haven’t made the NCAA Tournament since a run to the Sweet 16 during the 2020-2021 season. Now, Florida State will move in a different direction, with their leader of over two decades moving on.
Before taking his talents to Florida State, Hamilton spent a decade with the Miami Hurricanes, where he amassed 144 wins and brought them to a Sweet 16. Before that, Hamilton was with the Oklahoma State Cowboys for four seasons, where he won 56 games in Stillwater.
As you can tell, there’s been no shortage of success throughout his coaching career. Hamilton also spent one season in the NBA as the leader of the Washington Wizards. It didn’t go well, as his record ended up being 19-63 with the franchise, and it was his only season on the job. Still, his contributions to college basketball far exceed his record at the professional level.
Moving forward, it’ll be fascinating to see how the Seminoles try and replace the stability the 76-year old coach brought to the program. Ironically enough, Hamilton’s former team and fellow Florida-based school Miami is dealing with a similar situation, after Jim Larranaga retired in December.
Regardless, Leonard Hamilton gave his life to basketball, and it’s easy to see why he’s so revered by the sport’s top athletes and pundits. While his time with Florida State is ending, he leaves an undeniable legacy, entering a new chapter and ending his tenure with the Seminoles.
After 20 successful seasons at the helm of the Florida State men’s basketball program, head coach Leonard Hamilton has announced his plans to step down following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season.
Hamilton, who has led the Seminoles to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and a Sweet 16 berth in 2018, has been a pillar of consistency and success during his tenure in Tallahassee.
In a statement released by the university, Hamilton expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the program and thanked the fans, players, and administration for their support throughout his tenure.
As the 2024-25 season approaches, Florida State fans will undoubtedly be eager to see Hamilton and the Seminoles make one final push for a deep postseason run before the legendary coach passes the torch to his successor.
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Jeff Borzello
Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton announced Monday he’s stepping down at the end of the season, ending a 23-year career in Tallahassee.
Hamilton, 76, will end his Florida State tenure as the winningest coach in school history and in the top five in wins in the history of the ACC. During his time with the Seminoles, Hamilton guided the program to the 2020 ACC regular-season title and eight NCAA tournament appearances. He also advanced to the second weekend of the NCAA tournament on four occasions.
“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.
“My family and I truly love this place, this institution, and its people. I’m very fortunate to be able to have given this job my all with no regrets. Every head coach inherits a legacy and is obligated to leave the job better than they inherited it. I’m very proud of what we have been able to accomplish here over the last 23 seasons. We were a consistent contender, and we created success for our players during their time here. So many of them have gone on to be successful in life. I hope that it will be remembered as my legacy. I look forward to working with our administration during this transition and being as helpful as possible through this process.”
Hamilton, who is being sued by several former players over allegations he failed to deliver on name, image and likeness promises, announced his decision Monday following a team meeting. Hamilton was sued by six players on the 2023-24 team for what they viewed as unfulfilled NIL obligations.
Hamilton’s best stretch in charge of Florida State came from 2017-2021, guiding the Seminoles to three Sweet 16 appearances and an Elite Eight run in 2018. That five-year span featured three top-four NCAA tournament seeds and the ACC regular-season championship in 2020. Florida State won at least one game in four consecutive NCAA tournaments.
“Coach Hamilton’s personal character and integrity, and his leadership, set a tremendous standard for all of FSU Athletics,” athletic director Michael 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.”
Florida State has struggled in recent years, as this will be its fourth consecutive season without an NCAA tournament appearance. The Seminoles haven’t finished above .500 in ACC play since 2021, going 10-10 on two occasions. They started off positively this season, winning seven of their first eight games, but have lost their last four games and currently sit at 13-9 overall, 4-7 in the ACC.
“Leonard Hamilton is a beacon of class and integrity whose leadership serves as an indelible example that competitive excellence, academic achievement and community service are attainable at a leading public institution,” university president Dr. Richard McCullough said. “Coach Hamilton’s legacy extends far beyond Tallahassee and college basketball. He is one of the most respected and beloved ambassadors of FSU across the nation and in his profession.”
Prior to taking over at Florida State in 2002, Hamilton was the head coach of the Washington Wizards for one season after spending 10 seasons at Miami — going to three NCAA tournament appearances — and four seasons at Oklahoma State. He was also an assistant coach at Kentucky and Austin Peay.
Alford said Florida State will immediately begin a national search for Hamilton’s successor.
Hamilton is the third ACC coach to announce his resignation in the last four months, following Virginia’s Tony Bennett in October and Miami’s Jim Larranaga in late December.
Florida State’s Leonard Hamilton, the winningest coach in program history, has announced that he will be stepping down at the end of the season. Hamilton, who has been at the helm of the Seminoles for 20 years, has led the team to numerous NCAA tournament appearances and has consistently been a contender in the ACC.
During his tenure, Hamilton has built Florida State into a national powerhouse, with the team consistently ranked in the top 25 and making deep runs in the NCAA tournament. Known for his defensive prowess and ability to develop players, Hamilton has been a beloved figure in Tallahassee and will leave behind a lasting legacy.
As he prepares to step down, Hamilton expressed his gratitude to the university, the fans, and the players who have made his time at Florida State so special. He leaves behind big shoes to fill, but there is no doubt that his impact on the program will be felt for years to come.
Florida State fans will undoubtedly miss Coach Hamilton, but they can take solace in the fact that he will always be a part of the Seminole family. As he prepares to say goodbye, let’s all take a moment to appreciate everything he has done for Florida State basketball and wish him the best in his future endeavors. Thank you, Coach Hamilton, for everything you have done for the Seminoles.
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TALLAHASSEE — Florida State men’s basketball coach Leonard Hamilton shared his intentions to resign from his position at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season on Monday. The University confirmed the news via a release. The regular season for the Seminoles, who are currently 13-9 (4-7 ACC), will conclude on Saturday, March 8th at home against SMU.
Hamilton has been guiding FSU Basketball since 2002. His tenure began on March 19, 2002. He is currently in his 23rd season with the Seminoles. He is 434-290 (.599) during his time as FSU’s head coach. He is 196-186 (.513) in ACC regular season games during that same span.
“I am deeply thankful for the tremendous support of our fans, alumni, and everyone associated with Florida State throughout my time here,” Hamilton said via release. “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.
“My family and I truly love this place, this institution, and its people. I’m very fortunate to be able to have given this job my all with no regrets. Every head coach inherits a legacy and is obligated to leave the job better than they inherited it. I’m very proud of what we have been able to accomplish here over the last 23 seasons. We were a consistent contender, and we created success for our players during their time here. So many of them have gone on to be successful in life. I hope that it will be remembered as my legacy. I look forward to working with our administration during this transition and being as helpful as possible through this process.”
He won ACC Coach of the Year honors in 2009, 2012, and 2020. He received multiple National Coach of the Year honors during his time with FSU.
Hamilton will depart Tallahassee as the most successful coach in FSU Basketball history. He is the all-time winningest coach at FSU. He became the Seminoles’ winningest coach as Florida State defeated Pittsburgh on March 7, 2015.
Under Hamilton, the Seminoles won at least 20 games in 12 of his past 22 years and have advanced to the postseason in 16 of his 22 prior seasons at Florida State. FSU had a run of nine consecutive postseason appearances (NCAA and NIT) from 2006 to 2014).
Florida State has had at least one player selected in the NBA Draft in 14 of the last 22 seasons. He developed 19 NBA Draft selections at FSU, including nine first-round picks led by No. 4 overall selections Patrick Williams in 2020 and Scottie Barnes in 2021. He has coached 24 All-ACC selections, 13 ACC All-Defensive Team selections, four ACC Sixth Man of the Year recipients and two ACC Defensive Players of the Year.
Some career highlights and best seasons under Hamilton are discussed below:
In 2020, he led Florida State to the first ACC Regular Season Championship in school history. The Seminoles finished ACC play with a 16-4 record — the 16 wins established a school record for ACC wins in a season. The Seminoles finished the 2020 season ranked No. 4 in the Associated Press poll – the highest final national ranking in school history.
In 2019, he guided the Seminoles to a school-record 29 victories. The Seminoles’ 2019 team also defeated six nationally ranked teams, advanced to the ACC Tournament Championship game and to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Coupled with the Seminoles’ appearance in the Elite Eight of the 2018 NCAA Tournament, the 2019 season marked the second time in school history the Seminoles had advanced to at least the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament in consecutive seasons.
In 2018, Florida State advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament for the first time under Hamilton and for only the third time in school history. The Seminoles finished with a 23-12 record, a 9-9 mark in ACC play, won the Jamaica Classic and played in the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season and for the sixth time in that 10-year period.
Hamilton led the Seminoles to the first ACC basketball championship in school history in 2012. He led the Seminoles to a school-record fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, to a 12-4 record in ACC play, to a third consecutive third place finish in the ACC standings, to two wins each over Duke and North Carolina (two of the top four winningest programs in college basketball history), to wins over an ACC-leading six nationally ranked teams and to victories over each of the four Tobacco Road teams in the ACC (Duke, North Carolina, NC State and Wake Forest) for the first time in school history.
He enters Tuesday’s game against Notre Dame ranked fifth in ACC history with 434 overall wins, fifth in ACC regular season and ACC Tournament victories with 211, tied for ninth with 15 ACC Tournament victories, fifth among ACC coaches with 18 career NCAA Tournament victories, fourth in the ACC with 127 ACC homecourt wins, and sixth with 94 ACC road wins.
Hamilton needs just four regular season ACC victories to become just the fourth coach in the history of the ACC to win 200 regular season ACC games. He is the fourth-winningest coach in ACC history with 196 regular season victories and took sole possession of fourth place in the annals of the ACC with the Seminoles’ win over Syracuse on January 4th in Tallahassee.
Beyond his team’s on-court success, Hamilton’s players excelled in the classroom and graduated at an insanely high rate – 97 percent of Hamilton’s players who completed their eligibility earned their degrees and 20 student-athletes were named to the All-ACC Academic Team. His players stayed out of trouble. He developed players on the court and made them better men off of it, something he always wanted to celebrate more than wins.
FSU Vice President and Director of Athletics Michael Alford also commented on Hamilton’s history with the Seminoles.
“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.”
“Leonard Hamilton is a beacon of class and integrity whose leadership serves as an indelible example that competitive excellence, academic achievement and community service are attainable at a leading public institution,” said FSU President Dr. Richard McCullough. “Coach Hamilton’s legacy extends far beyond Tallahassee and college basketball. He is one of the most respected and beloved ambassadors of FSU across the nation and in his profession.”
Prior to being head coach at FSU, Hamilton also guided Miami from 1991 to 2000, going 144-147 (.495). He was also the head coach at Oklahoma State from 1987 to 1990, going 56-63 (.471) in that time. For his career as a head coach, he is 634-500 (.559). He has 37 total seasons as a collegiate head coach. In 37 seasons as a head coach, he earned 22 postseason bids, leading his teams to five Sweet 16 appearances, and three conference championships.
He was the Washington Wizards head coach in 2001.
He also has had stints as an assistant coach at Kentucky and Austin Peay State during his time in coaching, which began in 1971 as a graduate assistant at Austin Peay State.
FSU will now begin this search for the eighth head coach in men’s basketball history. Coinciding with the announcement of future resignation on Monday, Alford announced that the University will immediately begin a national search for Hamilton’s successor.
After 19 seasons at the helm of the Florida State Seminoles men’s basketball team, head coach Leonard Hamilton has announced that he will be resigning at the conclusion of this season. Hamilton, who is the winningest coach in program history, has led the Seminoles to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and a Sweet 16 run in 2018.
During his tenure, Hamilton has developed a reputation for his strong recruiting efforts and emphasis on defense. He has also been praised for his ability to develop players and maximize their potential on the court.
Hamilton’s decision to step down comes as a surprise to many, but he has expressed a desire to spend more time with his family and pursue other opportunities in the basketball world. As the Seminoles look to finish the season strong and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, they will undoubtedly be motivated to send their beloved coach out on a high note.
The search for Hamilton’s replacement will undoubtedly be a crucial one for Florida State, as they look to maintain their status as a top program in the ACC and continue their success on the national stage. But for now, Seminoles fans can only reflect on the incredible impact that Leonard Hamilton has had on the program and look forward to celebrating his legacy in the final games of the season.
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Leonard Hamilton – the all-time winningest men’s basketball coach in Florida State University history who also played a notable role in breaking the color barrier in the sport both as a player and coach – is resigning as the Seminoles’ head coach effective at the end of the season, his 23rd at the school, the Tallahassee Democrat has learned.
After months of discussion with FSU leadership, Hamilton, 76, announced his resignation Monday afternoon.
“I am deeply thankful for the tremendous support of our fans, alumni, and everyone associated with Florida State throughout my time here,” Hamilton said in a statement released by the university.
“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.”
Hamilton’s resignation comes two days after the Seminoles tumbled to their fourth consecutive defeat as they squandered an eight-point lead in the final minute and lost at Boston College, 77-76. FSU is 13-9 overall and 4-7 in Atlantic Coast Conference play heading into Tuesday’s home game against Notre Dame (10-11, 4-6) at 7 p.m.
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Hamilton, in the final year of a five-year contract extension that pays him $2.25 million annually plus bonuses, has been a mainstay in Tallahassee and college basketball. He has also coached during an era at FSU that featured fellow iconic coaches Bobby Bowden in football and Mike Martin in baseball.
“My family and I truly love this place, this institution, and its people. I’m very fortunate to be able to have given this job my all with no regrets,” Hamilton said.
“Every head coach inherits a legacy and is obligated to leave the job better than they inherited it. I’m very proud of what we have been able to accomplish here over the last 23 seasons. We were a consistent contender, and we created success for our players during their time here. So many of them have gone on to be successful in life. I hope that it will be remembered as my legacy. I look forward to working with our administration during this transition and being as helpful as possible through this process.”
It appears Hamilton is keeping his options open for the future as he did not mention retirement in the university’s release. Hamilton could also remain involved as an advisor to athletics on men’s basketball issues, according to FSU sources.
FSU Vice President and Director of Athletics Michael Alford said the university will immediately begin a national search for Hamilton’s successor.
“Leonard 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 as he. 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.”
FSU opened this season with plenty of promise at 13-5. However, the Seminoles have been unable to sustain their momentum. They have nine regular season games remaining, including back-to-back games against visiting North Carolina Feb. 24 and at Duke March 1. FSU has five home games left.
Earlier this season, six former FSU players sued Hamilton, alleging he failed to make good on a promise to get each of them $250,000 in name, image and likeness compensation. The lawsuit is the latest in a growing number of NIL legal battles.
As head coach at FSU, Hamilton has compiled an overall record of 434-290, including a mark of 196-186 in ACC regular season games. Hamilton has led the Seminoles to 16 postseason appearances and 12 20-win seasons.
He currently ranks 10th on the NCAA’s list of winningest active Division I coaches and is fifth all-time in the ACC behind Mike Krzyzewski of Duke, Roy Williams and Dean Smith of North Carolina and Gary Williams of Maryland.
Hamilton is the longest-tenured men’s basketball coach in the ACC and second-oldest active Division I coach, leading the Seminoles to three NCAA Tournament Sweet 16s (2011, 2019, 2021) and one Elite Eight (2018).
“Leonard Hamilton is a beacon of class and integrity whose leadership serves as an indelible example that competitive excellence, academic achievement and community service are attainable at a leading public institution,” FSU President Dr. Richard McCullough said.
“Coach Hamilton’s legacy extends far beyond Tallahassee and college basketball. He is one of the most respected and beloved ambassadors of FSU across the nation and in his profession.”
Alford is confident the Seminoles will attract a quality candidate to replace Hamilton.
“I’m excited for the future of men’s basketball at Florida State,” Alford said. “Thanks to Coach Hamilton’s excellent stewardship and leadership, it has been proven that Florida State can be a contender in the ACC and nationally. I’m looking forward to continuing to build on what he has accomplished here as we identify the next leader of our program.”
In his 37th season as a college coach, Hamilton – a native of Gastonia, North Carolina – boasts a career record of a 634-500 (.559 winning percentage) to rank among the top 100 winningest across all NCAA levels.
Hamilton led FSU to its first ever ACC Championship in 2012 and guided the Seminoles to a school-record four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances from 2009-12. During a five-year span from 2015 to 2020, FSU went 124-48, punctuated by program’s first ACC regular-season title in 2019-20.
Previous stops include Oklahoma State (1986-1990) and Miami (1990-2000), where he was the UPI National Coach of the Year in 1995. Hamilton has earned three national Coach of the Year honors and was named the conference Coach of the Year five times. He is the only person to earn multiple Coach of the Year honors in both the ACC and the Big East.
Hamilton also coached the Washington Wizards during the 2000-01 season with Michael Jordan as the team’s president of basketball operations.
While Hamilton has preferred to look at his accomplishments as a trailblazing Black coach and player in a different way, his impact has been significant.
He was the first Black player at Tennessee-Martin and was the SEC’s first Black assistant when Joe B. Hall hired him at Kentucky in 1974. Hamilton was a part of Kentucky teams that won a national championship in 1978 and went to the Final Four in 1984.
“I’ve always been reluctant to put labels. Some kinds of labels mean certain things to different people,” Hamilton told the Democrat in a previous interview.
“I just think I was very fortunate to come along at a time when opportunities were not as available for African-American guys, but I always seemed to have been able to slide into situations that were available I’ve always felt a hedge of protection around me. I’ve always felt that my steps have always been ordered…
“I was built for this.”
Hamilton’s FSU teams have been known for stingy team defense, athleticism, winning mentality and academics.
Nineteen players have been NBA Draft selections, with nearly half (nine) going in the first round, led by No. 4 overall selection Patrick Williams in 2020 and Scottie Barnes in 2021. He has coached 24 All-ACC selections, 13 ACC All-Defensive Team selections, four ACC Sixth Man of the Year recipients and two ACC Defensive Players of the Year.
And 97% of Hamilton’s players who have stayed four years at FSU have graduated. His team produced a program-record 3.16 grade-point average in the spring of 2023, highlighted by 10 individual GPAs of at least 3.0.
Hamilton’s legacy also extends nationally as 12 of his former assistants have been head coaches at the Division I level.
Hamilton earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from Tennessee-Martin in 1971 and received his Master’s in Physical and Health Education from Austin Peay State in 1973. He has been inducted into seven different Halls of Fame, including Miami and FSU.
Outside of basketball, two of Hamilton’s greatest passions are his family and gospel music. When asked how he measures success, Hamilton quickly points to his players.
“I have a lot of trophies, awards and rings, but what I enjoy most is attending [player] weddings, getting calls on Father’s Day, guys seeking advice on major decisions. Those are the coaching rewards,” Hamilton told the Florida Times-Union in a previous interview.
“If I only evaluate my success with NCAA trips and Coach of the Year awards, then I can’t look at myself in the mirror. If I’m not impacting young men to grow with the tools I’ve been given, I haven’t done my job. You’re taking people at the most important part of their life – teenagers going into adulthood – and trying to develop not just basketball players, but good husbands, fathers and citizens.
“That part of the process goes unnoticed.”
Jim Henry is sports editor of the Tallahassee Democrat. Email him at jjhenry@tallahassee.com.
After 19 seasons at the helm of the Florida State basketball program, head coach Leonard Hamilton has announced his resignation.
Hamilton, who led the Seminoles to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and a Sweet 16 berth in 2018, cited personal reasons for his decision to step down.
During his tenure, Hamilton helped elevate the Florida State basketball program to new heights, earning a reputation as one of the top coaches in the ACC.
As the search for a new head coach begins, Seminole fans are grateful for Hamilton’s contributions and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
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#Florida #State #basketball #coach #Leonard #Hamilton #resigning
