Alabama State Men's Basketball Coach Tony Madlock Resigns

Madlock led Hornets to historic NCAA Tournament win in 2025 season

Mar. 29, 2026 at 7:06pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the chaotic energy of a basketball game, with players and the court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of vivid colors.Madlock's departure leaves Alabama State basketball at a crossroads, with the program seeking to build on its historic 2025 NCAA Tournament run.Montgomery Today

After four years as head coach of Alabama State University men's basketball, Tony Madlock announced he is stepping down from his position on Sunday. Madlock transformed the program during his tenure, leading the Hornets to a 20-win season, a SWAC championship, and the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament victory in 2025.

Why it matters

Madlock's resignation marks the end of a successful era for Alabama State basketball. Under his leadership, the Hornets emerged as a SWAC powerhouse and earned the program's first NCAA Tournament win, generating excitement and pride within the university and local community.

The details

In the 2024-25 season, Madlock's Hornets finished 20-16 overall and 12-6 in SWAC play. They won the SWAC Tournament title and earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament, where they defeated Saint Francis 70-68 on a dramatic buzzer-beater - the first NCAA Tournament win in program history. Madlock was named HBCU Sports Coach of the Year, while players Amar Knox and TJ Madlock earned All-SWAC honors.

  • Madlock announced his resignation on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
  • In the 2024-25 season, the Hornets won the SWAC Tournament and earned their first NCAA Tournament appearance and victory.

The players

Tony Madlock

The former head coach of the Alabama State University men's basketball team, who led the Hornets to a historic NCAA Tournament win in 2025.

Alabama State University

The public historically black university located in Montgomery, Alabama, where the men's basketball team competes in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

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What they’re saying

“Coach Madlock did a commendable job leading our men's basketball program. In just three 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.”

— Alabama State Vice President and Director of Athletics

“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 2024-2025 season, history was truly made. To all my former players, student managers, trainers, administrators, and assistant coaches, you have been so influential in my growth as a coach. Alabama State University and the city of Montgomery will always have a special place in my heart.”

— Tony Madlock, Former Head Coach, Alabama State Men's Basketball

What’s next

Alabama State University will begin a national search for their next head men's basketball coach.

The takeaway

Madlock's resignation marks the end of a successful era for Alabama State basketball, as he led the Hornets to new heights including the program's first NCAA Tournament victory. The university must now find a new coach to build on this momentum and continue the team's upward trajectory.