Samford University is bidding farewell to one of the most transformative figures in its basketball history. On Saturday, Samford Athletics officially announced that head coach Bucky McMillan has accepted the head coaching position at Texas A&M, marking the end of a remarkable five-year run with the Bulldogs.
McMillan’s tenure at Samford will be remembered as a golden era for the program. Hired in 2020 after a dominant 15-year stretch at Mountain Brook High School, McMillan quickly elevated the Bulldogs into a force in the Southern Conference. Under his leadership, Samford achieved four straight 20-win seasons, claimed two SoCon regular-season championships, captured a conference tournament title, and earned a coveted spot in the NCAA Tournament.
In a statement, Samford Athletic Director Martin Newton reflected on McMillan’s impact:
“I want to thank Bucky for all he has given to Samford University and the men’s basketball program. The past five years have been a special period in our program’s history. We wish Bucky the best in his new endeavor and look forward to conducting a national search with the goal of keeping Samford among the premier Division I programs in the nation.”
McMillan’s rise through the coaching ranks has been anything but conventional. After building a prep dynasty at Mountain Brook and gaining a reputation as one of the most innovative basketball minds in the Southeast, he brought that same energy and vision to Samford. The result: a revitalized program with a winning culture and a national presence.
While his departure marks the end of an unforgettable era, it also sets the stage for a new beginning—both for McMillan at Texas A&M and for Samford as it embarks on a new coaching search. Whoever follows will inherit a program poised for continued success, thanks in large part to the foundation McMillan built.
Samford fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on College Station, proud of the legacy their former coach leaves behind and hopeful for what comes next on their own court.
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