In the ever-evolving landscape of college basketball, sudden coaching changes can shake a program to its core. Samford University found itself in such a predicament less than a week ago when head coach Bucky McMillan decided to take the leap to the SEC, accepting the open coaching position at Texas A&M.
McMillan’s departure in early April, right as the Transfer Portal swings wide open, posed a formidable challenge for the Bulldogs. Yet, they responded with poise, bringing Lennie Acuff on board as their new head coach.
Lennie Acuff, renowned in Alabama's basketball circles, hails from Huntsville and brings over three decades of coaching expertise to the table. He carved his path in the sporting world after suiting up for Shorter during his college days. His journey began at the NAIA level, with gigs at Belhaven and Berry University marking his early coaching days, before he steadily advanced up the ranks.
In 1997, Acuff returned to his roots in Alabama by accepting the head coaching position at Alabama-Huntsville, embarking on a 22-year odyssey at the Division II level. It's here he truly made his mark, guiding the Chargers to over 450 victories and steering them through numerous D2 Tournaments. His final decade there was particularly impressive, with the team making five Sweet Sixteen appearances or better.
Acuff's transition to Division I coaching came in 2019 when Lipscomb University called his name. At the time, the Bisons were flying high under Casey Alexander, who had recently switched sides to coach their city rivals, Belmont.
While Acuff's initial seasons were laden with challenges, he methodically rebuilt the program. Though his record with Lipscomb after three years still saw more losses than wins, perseverance paid off.
The next three seasons saw a transformation, as the Bisons notched up 20-win seasons consecutively, ultimately tying for the ASUN regular season title, clinching the league tournament, and making their first NCAA Tournament splash in seven years.
Now, at 60, Acuff takes this wave of success with him to Samford, poised to inject new life into a program hungry for more mid-major triumphs. Despite McMillan’s exit, there's an air of optimism at Samford, as the program aims to remain a formidable contender in the Southern Conference.
Meanwhile, back at Lipscomb, the clock is ticking as they embark on an unexpected coaching search. The challenge is to retain the squad that tasted success under Acuff’s guidance, ensuring the stability he brought to Nashville can be preserved. This pivotal juncture will determine if Lipscomb can replicate Acuff’s winning formula and stay the course in their pursuit of basketball excellence.
