Leonard Hamilton, Florida State's winningest men's basketball coach, will resign after this season

Leonard Hamilton, Florida State’s winningest men’s basketball coach, will resign after this season

Posted by author February 3, 2025 Basketball

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Leonard Hamilton has led the Seminoles to a 434-290 record and 16 postseason appearances during his tenure. (Samuel Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Florida State men’s basketball coach Leonard Hamilton announced on Monday that he will resign from his position following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, his 23rd leading the Seminoles.

The 76-year-old Hamilton is the all-time winningest men’s basketball coach in program history with a record of 434-290 to go along with 16 postseason appearances, including eight NCAA tournament berths. He is also ranked 10th on the NCAA’s list of winningest active Division I coaches and is fifth among ACC coaches all time behind Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski, North Carolina’s Roy Williams and Dean Smith and Maryland’s Gary Williams.

“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.

There was no mention of retirement in Hamilton’s statement and he reportedly could stay close to the men’s basketball program as an adviser.

Hamilton’s contract — one that pays him $2.25 million plus bonuses per year — is up after this season — season where the Seminoles are 13-9 overall, 4-7 in ACC play and well out of the NCAA tournament picture.

Hamilton is also facing a lawsuit filed by six former FSU players over alleged unpaid NIL compensation totaling $1.5 million, as reported by Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger in December.

After getting his first collegiate head coaching job in 1986 with Oklahoma State, Hamilton spent four seasons with the Cowboys before moving on to the University of Miami. He helped lead the Hurricanes to three straight NCAA tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 berth in 2000.

Following one season coaching the NBA’s Washington Wizards, Hamilton was hired by Florida State in 2002.