There are some more new head coaches for the 2025-26 men's college basketball season. Here are four under the radar.
Veteran Vision: Lennie Acuff Takes Over at Samford
The Samford Bulldogs are turning to experience with the hiring of 66-year-old Lennie Acuff. A coaching veteran since 1990, Acuff’s long resume includes stints at Belhaven, Berry, Alabama-Huntsville, and most recently Lipscomb, where he earned eight Gulf South regular-season titles, three tournament crowns, and a 2024 NCAA Tournament berth.
Acuff’s Atlantic Sun record of 110–82 demonstrates steady success, and now he’ll look to bring that winning mindset to the Bulldogs. He replaces Bucky McMillan, who won 99 games over five seasons and guided Samford to the 2023-24 NCAA Tournament.
Familiar Face Promoted: Jon Perry Leads the Navy Midshipmen
After more than a decade on the Navy bench, Jon Perry is stepping into the head coaching role for the first time. The 47-year-old served as an assistant from 2013 to 2020 and as associate head coach since then. His long tenure and deep understanding of the program made him the natural successor to Ed DeChellis.
DeChellis, who previously coached at Penn State, posted a 196–230 record during his time in Annapolis. His overall career record sits at 415–461. Perry now has the chance to inject new life into the Midshipmen while maintaining the discipline and structure the program is known for.
NBA Experience Returns to College: Dan Geriot Joins Iona
Iona turned to the professional ranks for its next leader, hiring 37-year-old Dan Geriot from the NBA. The Springfield, Pennsylvania native spent time on college staffs at Princeton and Campbell before jumping to the NBA in 2018, where he worked as an assistant with both the Cleveland Cavaliers and New Orleans Pelicans.
Geriot replaces Tobin Anderson, who went 33–34 in two seasons with the Gaels after his famous 2023 March Madness run with Fairleigh Dickinson. Anderson has since joined South Florida’s staff as a special assistant to the head coach. Geriot now faces the task of revitalizing Iona’s proud program and leading it back into the national spotlight.
Rebuilding in the Windy City: Landon Bussie Heads to Chicago State
Few programs have struggled like Chicago State in recent years. The Cougars have cycled through conferences without finding success, winning just 63 games over the past 11 seasons. Last year’s 4–28 campaign in the NEC was another tough chapter.
Enter Landon Bussie. The 37-year-old former Alcorn State head coach led the Braves to back-to-back SWAC titles in 2022 and 2023. His four-year record of 66–83 includes consistent improvement and competitive conference play. Bussie replaces Scott Spinelli, who lasted just one season at 4–28.
Now, Bussie takes on one of college basketball’s toughest rebuilding jobs, but his track record of turning programs around offers hope for the long-suffering Cougars.
The Next Chapter Begins
From Acuff’s veteran leadership at Samford to Geriot’s NBA pedigree at Iona, these coaching changes bring fresh energy and diverse experience to the college basketball landscape. As the 2025-26 season tips off, all four programs will look to find their footing under new direction, and perhaps, spark something special.