Bucky McMillan
The Florida State job would be quite the jump for McMillan, but he’s an attractive candidate that should absolutely be considered for these types of openings. He doesn’t have the same flair or history as some of these other names, but he’s also at least got a great record as a head coach and has done some of his best work in recent years.
An alumnus of Birmingham-Southern, McMillan’s career began with more than a decade as the head coach at Mountain Brook High School in Alabama, becoming one of the most notable high schools in the country with three state titles and other profound success. He transitioned to the collegiate game when Samford hired him in 2020. After a rebuilding effort during the pandemic, he led the Bulldogs to three straight 20-win seasons including a berth in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, Samford’s first trip in more than two decades.
McMillan has Samford atop the SoCon standings again this season and is certainly a name on the rise for good reason. This conference has made a habit out of great head coaches leaving for power conference programs, though you have to wonder if the Seminoles would want someone with more relevant experience. Much of his time was spent at the high school level and his only collegiate experience comes from the SoCon. Can that type of coach build winning programs right off the bat in the ACC?