Texas A&M’s Bold Move: Hiring Bucky McMillan from Samford
In a move that has the college basketball world buzzing, Texas A&M is on the verge of hiring Samford coach Bucky McMillan as their next men’s basketball coach. Sources have confirmed to ESPN that the two parties are finalizing a five-year deal. This decision marks a significant shift for the Aggies, who are looking to build on their recent successes under former coach Buzz Williams.
McMillan’s tenure at Samford has been nothing short of remarkable. Over five seasons, he has led the Bulldogs to two Southern Conference championships and an NCAA tournament appearance, amassing an impressive overall record of 99-52. His teams have consistently achieved 20-win seasons, a testament to his effective coaching style known as “Bucky Ball.” This high-tempo, aggressive style of play has not only brought success to Samford but has also earned McMillan the Southern Conference coach of the year award three times.
Taking over from Buzz Williams, who departed for Maryland after guiding Texas A&M to three consecutive NCAA tournaments, McMillan inherits a program that earned a No. 4 seed in this year’s tournament. The Aggies are eager to maintain their competitive edge, and McMillan’s track record suggests he is more than capable of meeting those expectations.
One of McMillan’s most notable achievements at Samford was leading the team to its first NCAA tournament bid since 2000. In the 2024 tournament, Samford nearly pulled off a stunning upset against No. 4 seed Kansas, cutting a 22-point deficit to just one point in the final minute. Although they ultimately lost 93-89 due to a controversial foul call, the performance showcased McMillan’s ability to inspire his team to compete at the highest level.
At 41, McMillan is considered one of the most promising young coaches in the country. His journey to college coaching is unique, having transitioned directly from a successful high school coaching career at Mountain Brook High School in Alabama. During his 12-year tenure there, he won five state titles and turned the program into a national powerhouse, winning 333 games and averaging nearly 28 wins per season.
McMillan’s coaching philosophy emphasizes pressing and disruption, aiming to speed up both his team’s offense and the opposition’s play. This approach has consistently placed Samford among the top 20 teams in the country for opponent turnover percentage over the past two seasons. Such a dynamic style is expected to energize the Texas A&M fan base, which has traditionally been more focused on football.
With nearly $7 million available in NIL and revenue share this season, Texas A&M is well-positioned to remain competitive in the SEC. McMillan’s arrival is anticipated to further bolster the program’s standing and attract top talent to College Station.
- McMillan’s overall record at Samford: 99-52
- Four consecutive 20-win seasons
- Three-time Southern Conference coach of the year
- First NCAA tournament bid for Samford since 2000
- Five state titles at Mountain Brook High School
As Texas A&M prepares to welcome Bucky McMillan, the college basketball community will be watching closely to see how his innovative style translates to the SEC. The Aggies are betting on McMillan’s proven ability to build winning programs and his knack for developing talent. It’s a bold move that could pay off in a big way for Texas A&M.
Originally Written by: Pete Thamel,Jeff Borzello
