Longtime FSU Coach Leonard Hamilton Stepping Down ‘With No Regrets’
Hamilton Announces Decision to Step Down After 23 Seasons
Leonard Hamilton, the longtime head coach of the Florida State University men’s basketball team, announced on Monday that he will be stepping down at the end of the season.
No Regrets
Hamilton, who is being sued by six former players over allegations he failed to deliver on name, image, and likeness promises, said in a statement, “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.”
A Legacy of Success
Hamilton, who is 76 years old, ranks 10th on the NCAA’s list of winningest active DI coaches. He has led the Seminoles to 16 postseason appearances and a dozen 20-win seasons. FSU won the ACC Tournament title in 2012 and the regular-season conference title in 2019-20.
Challenges on and Off the Court
Despite his success, Hamilton has faced challenges on and off the court in recent years. The Seminoles have lost four straight games and are 13-9 going into Tuesday night’s home matchup against Notre Dame. Hamilton is in the final year of a contract that pays him $2.25 million annually.
Suit Against Hamilton
The lawsuit filed by the six former players alleges that Hamilton failed to make good on a promise to get each of them $250,000 in NIL compensation. The players claim that Hamilton promised them the money from his “business partners” and that they walked out of a practice last season over the missed payments.
Legacy Beyond Basketball
FSU athletic director Michael Alford praised Hamilton, saying, “Coach Hamilton’s personal character and integrity, and his leadership, set a tremendous standard for all of FSU Athletics. Few people have been as important in building the positive reputation of Seminole Athletics.” School president Dr. Richard McCullough added, “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.”
Conclusion
Hamilton will coach FSU’s final nine regular-season games and the ACC Tournament. While his decision to step down may come as a surprise to some, it is clear that he is proud of his legacy and the impact he has had on the university and its players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Leonard Hamilton stepping down?
A: Hamilton announced that he will be stepping down at the end of the season, citing no regrets and a desire to leave the job better than he inherited it.
Q: What is the lawsuit against Hamilton about?
A: The lawsuit alleges that Hamilton failed to deliver on name, image, and likeness promises to six former players, promising them $250,000 in NIL compensation.
Q: What is Hamilton’s legacy at FSU?
A: Hamilton has led the Seminoles to 16 postseason appearances and a dozen 20-win seasons, winning the ACC Tournament title in 2012 and the regular-season conference title in 2019-20.
