TALLAHASSEE, FL – In a surprising turn of events, Florida State University has announced the dismissal of longtime men’s basketball head coach Leonard Hamilton. The decision comes amid a disappointing season for the Seminoles, with the team struggling to meet expectations in the highly competitive ACC.
Hamilton, 76, had been at the helm of the program since 2002, making him one of the longest-tenured coaches in college basketball. Under his leadership, FSU became a perennial contender, reaching multiple NCAA Tournaments and making a memorable run to the Elite Eight in 2018. However, recent seasons have seen a decline in performance, with the team failing to qualify for March Madness in consecutive years.
Florida State’s athletic director, Michael Alford, issued a statement thanking Hamilton for his contributions but emphasizing the need for a new direction.
“Coach Hamilton has been the cornerstone of our basketball program for over two decades, bringing us incredible success and national recognition. This was an extremely difficult decision, but we believe it is in the best interest of the program moving forward,” Alford said.
The Seminoles have struggled in ACC play this season, currently sitting near the bottom of the standings. Despite Hamilton’s reputation as a strong recruiter and player developer, the team’s lack of competitiveness in recent years ultimately led to his departure.
Hamilton leaves FSU as the winningest coach in program history, with over 400 victories. A search for his replacement is already underway, with speculation linking several high-profile candidates to the job.
As the Seminoles look to rebuild, fans will remember Hamilton’s impact on the program, his commitment to player development, and the culture of success he established over two decades in Tallahassee.
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