Alabama State HC Tony Madlock Resigns, Expected to Join Memphis Staff Under Penny Hardaway

Madlock led the Hornets to historic success, including the program's first NCAA Tournament win, before stepping down after four seasons.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:54pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in the official colors of Alabama State University and the University of Memphis.Madlock's departure from Alabama State signals the end of an era, as the coach who led the Hornets to historic success now joins the staff of a major Division I program.Montgomery Today

Alabama State University head men's basketball coach Tony Madlock has announced his resignation after four years leading the Hornets program. Madlock is expected to join the coaching staff at the University of Memphis under head coach Penny Hardaway. During his tenure, Madlock transformed Alabama State into a nationally recognized program, leading the team to the SWAC Tournament championship in 2024-25 and the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament victory.

Why it matters

Madlock's departure is a significant loss for Alabama State, as he had built the Hornets into a competitive SWAC contender and led them to their first NCAA Tournament win in program history. His move to join Penny Hardaway's staff at Memphis is a testament to his coaching abilities and the recognition he has earned within the college basketball community.

The details

In his four seasons as head coach, Madlock led Alabama State to a 20-16 record in 2024-25, capturing the SWAC Tournament championship and earning the program's second First Four appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The Hornets then secured their first-ever NCAA Tournament victory, defeating St. Francis University 70-68 before falling to Auburn in the first round. In his final season, Alabama State finished 10-22 overall and 7-11 in SWAC play, though the team did record a notable non-conference victory over in-state rival UAB.

  • Madlock announced his resignation on March 29, 2026.
  • In the 2024-25 season, Madlock led Alabama State to a 20-16 record and the SWAC Tournament championship.
  • Alabama State earned its first-ever NCAA Tournament victory in the 2024-25 season, defeating St. Francis University 70-68.

The players

Tony Madlock

The former head coach of the Alabama State Hornets men's basketball team, who led the program to historic success including the team's first NCAA Tournament win.

Penny Hardaway

The head coach of the University of Memphis men's basketball team, who is expected to add Madlock to his coaching staff.

Jaquarius Stanback

A redshirt freshman at Alabama State who earned SWAC Defensive Player of the Year honors in the 2025-26 season, Madlock's final year with the Hornets.

Dr. Jason Cable

The Vice President and Director of Athletics at Alabama State University, who acknowledged Madlock's impact on the program.

Amar Knox

A player at Alabama State who was named First Team All-SWAC following the 2024-25 season.

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What they’re saying

“I would like to thank Dr. Ross and Dr. Cable for their leadership and support during my time as the head men's basketball coach. My family and I would like to thank Hornet Nation for their love and support. During that magical 2024-25 season, history was truly made.”

— Tony Madlock, Former Alabama State Head Coach

“Coach Madlock did a commendable job leading our men's basketball program. In just four seasons, he transformed the program into a 20-win team, a SWAC champion, and a history-making NCAA Tournament team that won the first tournament game in the history of the program.”

— Dr. Jason Cable, Vice President and Director of Athletics, Alabama State University

What’s next

Alabama State University has announced a national coaching search to find Madlock's replacement as the head men's basketball coach.

The takeaway

Madlock's departure is a significant loss for Alabama State, as he had built the Hornets into a competitive SWAC contender and led them to their first-ever NCAA Tournament victory. His move to join Penny Hardaway's staff at Memphis is a testament to his coaching abilities and the recognition he has earned within the college basketball community.