Alabama State University’s men’s basketball coach steps down

Tony Madlock – Photo from Alabama State University

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WAKA) – After four years as head coach of Alabama State University’s men’s basketball team, Tony Madlock has announced he is stepping down.

“Coach Madlock did a commendable job leading our men’s basketball program,” Alabama State Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Jason Cable said. “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.”

The Hornets finished the 2024-25 season by winning 10 of their final 12 games, including three consecutive victories at the SWAC Tournament to win the program’s fifth SWAC Tournament title and advance to the program’s fifth NCAA Tournament appearance. The team finished the season 20-16 overall and 12-6 in the SWAC.

Madlock came to Alabama State after a year at South Carolina State. Prior to being named the head coach of the Bulldogs, he spent three years as an assistant coach under former NBA All-Star Penny Hardaway at Memphis. Madlock also spent 2017-18 as the interim head coach at Ole Miss. Prior to Ole Miss, Madlock spent four seasons as an assistant coach on Tony Barbee’s staff at Auburn and four seasons as an assistant at UTEP. He was an assistant at Arkansas State for nine seasons, where he spent six of his nine years as the assistant head coach prior to leaving for UTEP.

Madlock’s final season at ASU included a win over in-state foe UAB, and redshirt first-year student Jaquarius Stanback was named the SWAC’s Defensive Player of the Year.

“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.”

ASU says as it begins a national search for a new head men’s basketball coach, Alabama State Athletics remains committed to the continued growth and investment in our men’s basketball program.

— Information from Alabama State University