In a bold and intriguing move, Texas A&M is finalizing an agreement to hire Bucky McMillan as the program’s next head men’s basketball coach, sources close to the decision told ESPN’s Jeff Borzello and others. McMillan, the current head coach at Samford University, is expected to sign a five-year contract with the Aggies, marking a major turning point for both programs.
McMillan’s rise from a high school coaching legend to one of the most innovative minds in mid-major college basketball has captivated fans and administrators alike. His expected jump to the SEC signals not only Texas A&M’s intent to shake things up but also McMillan’s growing national profile as a culture-shifting coach with a modern approach to the game.
A Bold New Era for Texas A&M
Texas A&M’s decision to move on from previous coach Buzz Williams opened the door for a fresh start. Despite some early promise, Williams’ tenure was marred by inconsistency, underwhelming SEC finishes, and missed NCAA Tournament opportunities. Athletic Director Ross Bjork and the A&M brass were clearly ready for a change—and they didn’t look far to find a hungry, dynamic candidate in McMillan.
McMillan’s success at Samford made him one of the hottest names in mid-major circles. Known for his fast-paced, pressing defensive schemes and team-first mentality, McMillan turned a long-struggling Samford program into a SoCon powerhouse. In just four seasons, he racked up two regular-season titles and built one of the most efficient offenses in the conference, all while recruiting under the radar and developing players rapidly.
The move to College Station is a massive step up in visibility, resources, and expectations. But if McMillan’s past is any indication, he won’t shy away from the spotlight.
From Birmingham Legend to SEC Coach
McMillan’s journey is anything but conventional. Before arriving at Samford, he spent over a decade as the head coach at Mountain Brook High School in Birmingham, Alabama. There, he turned a local program into a state juggernaut, winning five state championships and earning national acclaim for his up-tempo system and relentless work ethic. “Bucky Ball,” as it became known, emphasized quick possessions, constant movement, and team chemistry—tenets that remain central to his coaching philosophy.
When Samford took a chance on McMillan in 2020, he was one of only a handful of high school coaches nationwide to make the direct jump to Division I. Critics questioned whether his style would translate—but McMillan quickly silenced them. Not only did his high-energy, modern system fit the college game, but his passion and leadership brought a jolt of life to the Bulldogs’ program.
In his final season at Samford, McMillan led the team to over 25 wins, a conference championship, and a berth in the NCAA Tournament—arguably the best season in school history. Now, he’ll bring that same fire to Texas A&M, a school eager to return to relevance in a stacked SEC landscape.
What McMillan Brings to the Aggies
The Aggies aren’t just getting a coach who wins games—they’re getting an architect of culture. McMillan is known for building close-knit locker rooms, developing undervalued talent, and instilling confidence in his players. His practices are notoriously intense, and his attention to detail is elite. But more than anything, he’s a motivator who demands effort and toughness on every possession.
In a league that features blue-blood programs like Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas, Texas A&M is betting on innovation over pedigree. McMillan’s system has been praised for its efficiency and adaptability. He embraces analytics, teaches positionless basketball, and emphasizes defense just as much as pace and shooting.
With NIL opportunities growing and the transfer portal in full swing, McMillan’s charisma and authenticity could also be a major asset in recruiting. Players want to play fast, win games, and feel valued—three things McMillan is known to provide.
Challenges and Expectations
Of course, the SEC is a different beast. The pressure at Texas A&M will be unlike anything McMillan faced at Samford or Mountain Brook. The fanbase expects NCAA Tournament bids and deep runs, especially with the resources the school provides.
The first few years will likely be transitional. McMillan will have to retool the roster, retain key pieces, and hit the ground running in recruiting. But his track record of rapid improvement at Samford suggests he’s up for the challenge.
If he can bring the same energy and vision that lifted Samford from the bottom of the SoCon to the NCAA Tournament, Texas A&M fans may look back on this hire as a pivotal turning point in the program’s history.
Final Thoughts
The hiring of Bucky McMillan represents a fresh chapter for Texas A&M basketball—a bold investment in potential, passion, and the power of modern coaching. While the SEC grind will test him in new ways, McMillan has never been one to back down from a challenge.
From the high school courts of Alabama to the bright lights of the SEC, “Bucky Ball” is about to go national. College Station, get ready—the revolution has arrived.
4-star WR Mike Brown has committed to Texas A&M