Leonard Hamilton, legendary UK assistant and longtime FSU coach, will resign to end season

Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton, now in his 23rd season with the Seminoles, has decided to resign to close out the 2024-25 season — the end of a historic era in Tallahassee. The 76-year-old is a legendary figure in Lexington, Joe B. Hall hiring Hamilton as the first Black assistant coach in Kentucky basketball history back in 1974.

Hamilton was at UK from ’74-’86 before getting his first head coaching job at Oklahoma State, leading that program from ’86-’90 before stints at Miami (FL) in 1990-00 and with the Washington Wizards in 2000-01. That’s when he got the head job at FSU, a role he’s held since 2002.

The three-time ACC Coach of the Year announced his resignation on Monday.

“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.”

Boasting an overall record of 634-500, Hamilton has led the Seminoles to 22 postseason bids with five Sweet 16 appearances and three conference championships.

During his time at Kentucky, Hamilton helped recruit the likes of Jack “Goose” Givens, James Lee, Sam Bowie and Melvin Turpin to Lexington.

Come back and be the Y at Rupp Arena as soon as you’re ready, Coach. Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat.