The 2025 season presented both triumphs and setbacks for the Samford Bulldogs, who finished with a 22-11 overall record and a 12-6 mark in the Southern Conference. Their home record stood at 13-3.
However, a three-game losing streak, including an early exit from the SoCon Tournament, brought their campaign to a halt. Now, under Lennie Acuff’s leadership, the Bulldogs are ushering in a new era.
HC Lennie Acuff Joins the Samford Bulldogs After Bucky McMillan’s Departure
In a surprising move, former Samford head coach Bucky McMillan departed the Pete Hanna Center for Texas A&M. After five seasons and four consecutive 20-win seasons, McMillan concluded his Samford tenure with a 99-52 record before joining the SEC program.
Samford swiftly identified its next head coach, announcing the hiring of Lennie Acuff on X.
🏀 A new era begins.
Welcome @coachacuff #AllForSAMford pic.twitter.com/zwbVPkya65
— Samford Men’s Basketball (@SamfordMBB) April 9, 2025
“A new era begins. Welcome @coachacuff #AllForSAMford.”
Acuff arrives after a successful season at Lipscomb, where he guided the Bisons to a 25-10 record and titles in both the Atlantic Sun regular season and tournament. Lipscomb subsequently earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament, falling to Iowa State in the first round.
The move to Samford holds significance for Acuff beyond basketball. A Huntsville, Ala., native with two adult children residing in Birmingham, Acuff now has the opportunity to coach at the Division I level near his family.
Acuff brings a proven track record of program development. During his tenure at Lipscomb, he compiled a 110-71 record and led the Bisons to three consecutive 20-win seasons.
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Prior to that, he transformed Alabama-Huntsville into a Division II powerhouse, securing 11 NCAA Tournament appearances and two Elite Eight runs. Samford will look for Acuff to continue this pattern of success.
Stepping into the void left by McMillan, Acuff brings the experience of a seasoned coach ready to embark on a new chapter with the Bulldogs.
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