Acuff steps down as head coach of the Lipscomb University men’s basketball team

Acuff steps down as head coach of the Lipscomb University men's basketball team

Kim Chaudoin | 04/09/2025

Lipscomb University men's basketball coach Lennie Acuff has been named the new men's basketball coach at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, Philip Hutcheson, director of Lipscomb athletics announced today.

Acuff has served as head coach for the Bisons since 2019. The Bisons are coming off a 25-10 season that was highlighted by Lipscomb earning its second trip to the NCAA tournament. The new opportunity allows Acuff to return to his native Alabama and to move close to family.

"Lennie has led our program with integrity and a deep commitment to our student-athletes, and we are extremely grateful for the impact he has made on the Bison basketball program during his time at Lipscomb," said Hutcheson. "This was a tremendous opportunity for Coach Acuff to return to Alabama, where he has spent most of his life, and to be close to family - particularly his two adult children who live in Birmingham, to his parents and to his in-laws - while being able to continue coaching at the Division I level. While we are disappointed that he is leaving, we understand the attraction of being close to one's family and we wish him continued success in this new opportunity."

In addition to leading the Bisons to a return trip to the NCAA tournament, this season Acuff guided the team to its fourth ASUN regular season championship and to its third consecutive 20-plus win season - marking only the second time in DI era program history this has been accomplished. He ends his tenure at Lipscomb with a 110-71 record over his six seasons as head coach.

Lipscomb will begin an immediate national search for the university's next men's basketball head coach.