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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Leonard Hamilton’s era at Florida State will end with the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, the head coach announced on Monday afternoon.
The 76-year-old Hamilton has coached at FSU for 23 seasons, winning an ACC Tournament title in March 2012 after defeating Miami, Duke and North Carolina on consecutive days. The Seminoles also won the 2019-20 regular-season ACC title when the pandemic halted any postseason play.
FSU has lost four straight games, including three on the road, and is 13-9 going into Tuesday night’s home matchup with Notre Dame. He is also in the final year of his contract, which pays him $2.25 million annually.
Hamilton led FSU to an Elite Eight berth in 2018 and Sweet 16 appearances in 2019 and ’21. The 2019-20 team was viewed as among FSU’s best, and ESPN analyst Dick Vitale wrote a book about how the Seminoles would have won the national title.
But since the trip to the Sweet 16 in March 2021, FSU hoops has missed the NCAA Tournament as well as the NIT. The Seminoles have gone 56-62 in the four seasons, including an injury-riddled 9-23 year in 2022-23.
“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 FSU. “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 told the Seminoles of his decision to retire at the end of the season with a team meeting on Monday at 3 p.m. He will coach FSU’s final nine regular-season games and the ACC Tournament.
While there have been struggles on the court, adjusting to the transfer portal and generating enough NIL contributions to compete in the ACC, Hamilton has graduated nearly all of FSU’s four-year players since arriving in Tallassee more than two decades ago.
“My family and I truly love this place, this institution, and its people,” Hamilton said. “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 was sued by six players on the 2023-24 team for what they viewed as unfulfilled NIL obligations. A source indicated to the Osceola that the lawsuit was not a factor in this decision by Hamilton.
But Hamilton’s retirement continues a difficult trend in college athletics. Tony Bennett stepped down from Virginia in October, while Jim Larrañaga retired from Miami on Dec. 26.
FSU announced in the statement that a national search will begin for a new head coach. The opening of the transfer portal in mid-March is a key date ahead of the hiring of the new coach.
“I’m excited for the future of men’s basketball at Florida State,” FSU athletics director Michael 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.”
Hamilton’s weekly coach’s show has been moved to Wednesday night at Glory Days.
We’ve been chatting about the future of FSU hoops on the Osceola Village
The Osceola’s Bob Ferrante and Curt Weiler will host a special edition of Seminole Sidelines on our YouTube channel on Monday afternoon
After nearly two decades at the helm of the Florida State men’s basketball program, Leonard Hamilton has announced that he will be stepping down as head coach following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season.
Hamilton, who has been a fixture in Tallahassee since 2002, has led the Seminoles to unprecedented success during his tenure. Under his guidance, Florida State has made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the Elite Eight in 2018 and a Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2021.
In a statement released by the university, Hamilton expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Seminoles and reflected on the many memories he has made during his time at Florida State.
“I am incredibly thankful for the support of the university, the fans, and most importantly, the players who have made my time at Florida State so special,” Hamilton said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am excited to see what the future holds for this program.”
As Hamilton prepares to embark on his final season at the helm, the Seminoles will look to make one last push for a national championship under his leadership. Fans and alumni alike are sure to pay tribute to Hamilton’s legacy as one of the winningest coaches in school history.
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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
It appears the Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham will not be paired together in 2025.
With Graham working toward a deal to remain with the Raiders, the Jaguars will now look elsewhere at defensive coordinator. One top candidate appears to be Green Bay Packers linebackers coach Anthony Campanile, while the Jaguars have also interviewed Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach and passing game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant, Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach Daronte Jones, and Carolina Panthers secondary coach Jonathan Cooley.
Graham had two interviews with the Jaguars about their head coach role and also interviewed once for defensive coordinator.
With Graham now officially out of the picture, though, should the Jaguars do the next best thing and find a role for Raiders defensive line coach Rob Leonard? Leonard is viewed as a protégé of Graham and has helped the Raiders’ defense seriously overachieve in recent seasons.
One NFL source told Jacksonville Jaguars On SI, “If the Jaguars were serious about Patrick Graham, then Rob Leonard is the Ben Johnson of rising young defensive coaches set to be the next coordinators. He could be a great mix with Liam Coen.”
Coen spoke to reporters on Monday about what he is looking for in the role, which is set to be arguably the most important hire the first-year head coach makes in 2025.
“I’m gonna be involved, but it’s more the shared vision of the identity, the style of play. How do we continue to drive home the message of the style of play that we want to work with and play with that’s within the meetings, like being in the meeting sometimes,” Coen said.
“I’m going to be very involved, obviously, as we know, with the offense and Trevor and all that, but being just the presence felt, and doing more team meetings and doing them together so that, like we talked about this, where it’s not Offense, Defense, Teams, it’s here. So I’ll be involved, but I’m not going to be overbearing. I want that guy to have autonomy. I want that guy to have confidence, to be able to go and do it, and feel like his personality and his moral compass is showing on the product.”
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With Patrick Graham recently hired as the new head coach of the New York Giants, the Jacksonville Jaguars find themselves in need of a new defensive coordinator. One potential candidate that has been generating buzz is Rob Leonard, current linebackers coach for the Los Angeles Rams.
Leonard has a strong track record of success in the NFL, having previously served as the linebackers coach for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Miami Dolphins. He is known for his ability to develop young talent and his aggressive defensive schemes.
With the Jaguars looking to rebuild their defense and return to playoff contention, Leonard could be the perfect fit to help lead the charge. His experience and expertise could be just what the team needs to turn things around on the defensive side of the ball.
While there are likely to be other candidates in the mix for the defensive coordinator position, Leonard’s credentials make him a compelling option for the Jaguars to consider. It will be interesting to see if the team decides to pursue him as they look to fill the void left by Graham’s departure.
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Los Angeles Clippers pulled off an impressive 127-117 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, powered by stellar performances from James Harden and Norman Powell. After the game, Kawhi Leonard praised his teammates and expressed his belief that both Harden and Powell deserve spots on the NBA All-Star roster.
“[James Harden] and [Norman Powell] closing out that game was special,” Leonard said. “It was great, very special. Them taking on the challenge, getting to their spots—they made it look easy.”
Leonard went on to highlight their consistency this season: “They’ve been playing great all year. There’s a lot of politics in [All-Star selections]. I’m not sure if they’re going to give us two players, but hopefully, they do. They’ve been playing at a high level.”
James Harden delivered a game-high 40 points, along with five rebounds and nine assists. He shot 12-of-24 from the field and went a perfect 12-of-12 from the free-throw line. Meanwhile, Norman Powell contributed 33 points, six rebounds, and three steals on 11-of-23 shooting. The Clippers improved to an impressive 22-8 (.733 win percentage) this season in games where Powell scores at least 18 points.
Norman Powell #24 and James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers celebrate a score during a 131-105 win over the Atlanta Hawks
A 10-time NBA All-Star, James Harden remains one of the league’s most respected players, but he downplayed the significance of individual accolades this season.
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“It would mean a lot,” Harden said when asked about potentially earning another All-Star nod. “I think it would be my 10th or 11th. Just being one of the top 24 players in this league—I feel like I deserve it. But I’m not going to campaign for myself. I just go out there, put the work in, and it is what it is.”
Harden emphasized that team success is his primary focus: “We’re, what, top five or top six [in the standings]? [Norm] is shooting the ball at a high clip, leading our team in scoring. Somebody’s got to make it. We’ve put the work in and put ourselves in a really good position. But that’s out of our control. For us, I think we’re just focused on continuing to rack up wins because we’ve got a bigger goal than All-Star Games.”
Harden has been productive this season, averaging 21.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game on 39.7% shooting from the field and 34.4% from three-point range. He’s one of only three players in the Western Conference averaging at least 20 points, five rebounds, and eight assists per game.
Norman Powell has been equally impactful, showcasing his offensive firepower. Powell is averaging 23.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 3.5 made three-pointers per game on 49% shooting from the field and 43.1% from beyond the arc. He has scored 20+ points in 28 of the 37 games he has played this NBA season.
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“I think I’ve been playing at an All-Star level all season,” Powell told ClutchPoints. “Honestly, I don’t like talking about myself, but numbers don’t lie—where I’m at, what I’m averaging, what I’m doing across the board, and the efficiency that I’m playing with. I see myself as an All-Star, I want to be an All-Star, and I think I am.”
As the Clippers continue to climb in the standings, the performances of Harden and Powell remain pivotal. Whether or not both players earn All-Star nods, their impact on the Clippers’ success this season is undeniable.
In a recent interview, Kawhi Leonard shared his thoughts on the upcoming NBA All-Star game, expressing his belief that James Harden and another one of his Clippers teammates deserve spots on the All-Star roster.
Leonard praised Harden’s performance since joining the Clippers, highlighting his scoring ability and overall impact on the team. He also mentioned another teammate who he believes has been playing at an All-Star level but may not receive the recognition he deserves.
With the All-Star game fast approaching, Leonard’s endorsement of his teammates adds to the ongoing debate about who should be selected for the prestigious event. Fans will have to wait and see if Harden and his Clippers teammate ultimately earn their spots on the All-Star roster.
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NBA news, Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Clippers, All-Star, All-Star nods, basketball, sports, NBA updates
#NBA #News #Kawhi #Leonard #believes #James #Harden #Clippers #teammate #deserve #AllStar #nods
The ’80s brought Miami’s drug-infested underworld scene to light through sensationalized Hollywood projects. Brian De Palma’s Scarface took an operatic approach to the rise and fall of a self-centered drug lord. On the small screen, NBC’s Miami Vice went deeper into the city’s cocaine frontier through the eyes of its badge-wearing protagonists. Then Burt Reynolds tried unsuccessfully to capitalize on the trend with his 1985 crime thriller Stick.
Reynolds stepped into the director’s chair for the fourth time in his career, aiming to recapture the gritty, character-driven tone of his 1981 noir Sharky’s Machine. Based on Elmore Leonard‘s 1983 novel, Stick was a blend of ’80s action mixed with a wide array of colorful characters between a wig-wearing drug dealer, an overly wild film producer, and an assassin with albinism dressed like a cowboy. While Leonard’s novel depicts a seedy world that its ex-con hero Ernest “Stick” Stickley tries to navigate, Reynolds’ film adaptation fails to translate the iconic novelist’s words to the screen.
Arriving in the Florida Everglades following a seven-year stint in prison, Stick reconnects with his pal Rainy (Jose Perez) and gets talked into making a stop on the way home. It turns out to be a drug deal gone south as Rainy gets gunned down by the hitman Moke (Dar Robinson) on orders from his flamboyant boss Chucky (Charles Durning). On the run from Chucky’s men, Stick takes up a personal driver position for hot shot movie producer Barry Braun (George Segal) and gets attracted to his financial consultant Kyle (Candice Bergen).
As Stick looks to go straight while developing a romance with Kyle, he confronts Chucky about the drug money owed to Rainy. Fed up with Chucky’s sloppy handling of matters, the scorpion-obsessed cartel leader Nestor (Cástulo Guerra) hires Moke to take him out along with Stick. Adding more danger to the situation is when the cartel sets its sights on Stick’s estranged daughter Katie (Tricia Leigh Fisher).
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Reynolds tried to bring his signature ‘70s charm and his masculinity into a very dark and complex character of Leonard’s creation. Instead, he produced an action picture with an uneven direction that takes away from the slick, gritty tone of Leonard’s novel. The initial scenes of Stick’s arrival and the brutal death of Rainy are very much in line with the urban thriller elements of Sharky’s Machine. Once Stick enters Barry’s colorful world, the film takes a sharp, lighthearted shift in tone with excessive humor and soap opera performances.
Stick suffered from reshoots ordered by Universal Studios to turn what was otherwise a character-driven crime drama into standard ‘80s action fare, with less-than-thrilling car chases and a Scarface-level shootout finale. The film’s emotional component, Kyle’s hesitation to fall for Stick, works fine in the context of a noir tale. But the emphasis on roping Stick’s daughter into danger is more forced into the story than necessary for character development.
In the process of reshooting Stick, Reynolds had lost his spark physically and creatively as a result of the stunt accident he suffered on the set of City Heat. He appears gaunt and tired in many of the scenes reshot for the film, most notably in the finale. Aside from reshoots, however, Reynolds was simply not the right man to direct the film. Known more for colorful action comedies like Smokey and the Bandit and The Cannonball Run, he further softened Leonard’s pulpy crime story not only by leaning heavily on the emotional elements, but also the over-the-top cartoonish performances of Durning and Segal.
If Stick has at least one major highlight, it is Dar Robinson’s role as Moke. The legendary stuntman who worked on Sharky’s Machine and Lethal Weapon made the most of his tall, intimidating presence against Reynolds. It was in this film that Robinson executed his most dangerous stunt ever on camera by unloading his gun while freefalling from a Miami hotel balcony without a grounded airbag. It would sadly be Robinson’s only featured acting role as the famed stuntman died in a tragic on-set accident a year after the film’s release.
As a story, Stick was ahead of its time. It had the makings of a great crime drama if it was in the right filmmaker’s hands. Later film adaptations of Leonard’s novels such as Get Shorty, Jackie Brown, and Out of Sight fared better with experienced directors who made no creative compromises. Such filmmakers as Quentin Tarantino and Steven Soderbergh gave his characters a real-world texture and the productions had a subdued dark comedy tone where the violence is more shocking than entertaining. Leonard openly criticized Stick because Reynolds took no chances as an actor/director to stay true to the book. Instead, the legendary movie star decided to stick to playing it safe.
Stick is rent of buy on Apple TV+ in the U.S.
April 26, 1985
109 minutes
Elmore Leonard
Jennings Lang
Elmore Leonard Simply Despised This Burt Reynolds Adaptation of His Novel
Elmore Leonard, the acclaimed author known for his gritty crime novels, was not one to mince words when it came to adaptations of his work. And one film that truly irked him was the 1996 movie “Stick,” based on his novel of the same name and starring Burt Reynolds in the titular role.
Leonard, known for his sharp dialogue and complex characters, was reportedly less than pleased with the way the film turned out. He felt that the character of Stick, a former convict trying to go straight but inevitably drawn back into a life of crime, was not portrayed accurately on screen.
In an interview, Leonard expressed his disappointment with the film, saying that Reynolds’ portrayal of Stick was not what he had envisioned when writing the character. He felt that the film lacked the depth and complexity of his novel, and that the changes made to the story did a disservice to his work.
Despite Leonard’s displeasure, “Stick” remains a cult classic among fans of Burt Reynolds and action movies in general. However, for those who appreciate Leonard’s nuanced storytelling and sharp wit, the film falls short of capturing the essence of his work.
In the end, Elmore Leonard’s disdain for the adaptation of “Stick” serves as a reminder of the challenges and pitfalls of bringing a beloved novel to the big screen. It is a cautionary tale for filmmakers and fans alike, highlighting the importance of staying true to the source material and respecting the author’s vision.
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Elmore Leonard, Burt Reynolds, novel adaptation, crime fiction, Hollywood, film adaptation, Elmore Leonard novel, Burt Reynolds movie, author’s adaptation, literary adaptation, Hollywood adaptation, crime thriller, Elmore Leonard book, Burt Reynolds film adaptation
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The Suns’ pursuit of Jimmy Butler has been big news for weeks in NBA circles. They also acquired center Nick Richards last week and made a draft-pick trade with Utah this week, seemingly with an eye toward additional deals.
The best thing the Phoenix players can do is tune out all the trade chatter, Kevin Durant told Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic (Twitter link).
“It’s just a part of the game now,” Durant said. “We know it’s important. The locker room is sacred. The bus is sacred. Hotel, walkthrough, all that stuff is sacred. It’s stuff we don’t talk about. It’s a brotherhood in here, but we know the noise is going to always be going on around us. As much as we can bunker down and focus on one another, the better we are as a group.
“It’s a business, though. We understand it’s a business. Anything can happen in this business. We traded one our brothers, Josh (Okogie) to Charlotte and that happened pretty quickly. We’ve just got to focus on in one one another and keep grinding.”
We have more from the Pacific Division:
Pacific Notes: Durant, Leonard, Zubac, Post, Schroder, Hield
In the Pacific Division of the NBA, there have been some notable developments involving key players.
Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors continues to impress with his scoring ability and leadership on the court. Despite facing injuries, Durant has shown resilience and determination in leading his team to victory.
Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers has been a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. Leonard’s defensive prowess and scoring ability have made him a key player for the Clippers as they strive for a deep playoff run.
Ivica Zubac of the LA Lakers has been making strides in his development as a center. Zubac’s presence in the paint has been crucial for the Lakers, providing a solid defensive anchor and efficient scoring option.
Post players such as Draymond Green of the Warriors and Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns have been making an impact in the paint with their rebounding and shot-blocking abilities. Their physical presence has been key for their respective teams’ success.
Dennis Schroder of the Oklahoma City Thunder has been a valuable addition to the team, providing scoring and playmaking off the bench. Schroder’s energy and tenacity have been instrumental in the Thunder’s success this season.
Buddy Hield of the Sacramento Kings has been lighting it up from beyond the arc, showcasing his sharpshooting ability and offensive versatility. Hield’s scoring prowess has been a bright spot for the Kings as they look to make a playoff push.
Overall, the Pacific Division boasts a talented group of players who have been making their mark on the court. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how these players continue to elevate their game and contribute to their teams’ success.
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