Florida State Hires Two Former Head Coaches with FSU Connections to Basketball Staff
Florida State University has made a significant move in strengthening its basketball program by hiring two former head coaches with strong connections to the university. The additions of Richie Riley and Steve Robinson to FSU’s coaching staff bring a wealth of experience and a shared understanding of the Seminoles’ culture, aiming to bolster the team’s efforts moving forward.
Richie Riley, who previously served as the head coach at South Alabama, has been brought in to work with the Seminoles’ backcourt. Riley, known for his high-energy coaching style and strong emphasis on defense and player development, was a former assistant coach at FSU under head coach Leonard Hamilton from 2013 to 2015. During his time at Florida State, Riley worked closely with the guards, helping the team reach new heights and developing relationships that have lasted since his departure.
Riley’s success at South Alabama further strengthens his credentials. He led the Jaguars to several successful seasons, including a Sun Belt Tournament appearance and numerous individual player developments. His commitment to defense, speed, and discipline aligns with FSU’s existing philosophy, and his familiarity with the program will provide an immediate boost in terms of continuity and culture. “Richie is a coach who understands the heart of Florida State basketball and will bring tremendous value to our program,” said head coach Leonard Hamilton. “His knowledge of the game and his ability to connect with players will make him an essential part of our coaching staff.”
Alongside Riley, FSU also welcomed back Steve Robinson, a former head coach at Tulsa and a long-time assistant at FSU. Robinson returns to Florida State after a distinguished career, which includes serving as an assistant coach under Hamilton for 16 years, a stretch that included several successful NCAA Tournament appearances. Robinson’s experience with FSU’s system, as well as his leadership on the recruiting trail, makes him an invaluable asset to the staff. His ability to scout and develop talent has been critical to Florida State’s past successes, and now he will be instrumental in continuing the program’s upward trajectory.
As an assistant, Robinson helped FSU establish itself as a perennial powerhouse in the ACC. His knowledge of recruiting, as well as his ability to develop both high school and transfer players, was vital to FSU’s ability to stay competitive in one of the nation’s most difficult conferences. Robinson’s return to FSU is expected to have an immediate impact on player recruitment, a key component in maintaining the team’s success and depth.
With the addition of these two experienced coaches, Florida State’s basketball staff is positioned to enhance its recruiting efforts and continue building a competitive, high-energy program. Both Riley and Robinson have strong connections to FSU’s culture, which will allow them to seamlessly integrate with Hamilton’s vision and expectations for the team.
Their combined knowledge of the game, recruiting experience, and deep ties to FSU will be crucial as Florida State aims to build upon its success in the ACC and take its program to new heights in the coming seasons. The Seminoles are hopeful that these new hires will not only help with player development but also serve as key figures in continuing to elevate the FSU basketball brand both on and off the court. With this coaching staff in place, the future of Florida State basketball is looking brighter than ever.
