MELBOURNE, Fla.— Billy Mims has spent most of his life coaching. 

“This season coming up is my 40th year on the sideline somewhere around the world and my 16th year in paradise here at Florida Tech,” said Billy Mims, Florida Tech’s men’s basketball coach. 

His passion for the job hasn’t faded. 

“I want to do it now. I know how lucky I am because for 40 years I’ve been living the dream. It’s the dream I had when I was a little boy, it’s the dream I still have today,” said Mims. 

The game has taken him around the country and throughout Europe. 

“You know I’ve been one of those guys have basketball will travel. Some people have a passport to go abroad. I just had a basketball,” said Mims. 

He’s won more than 600 games and has his share of championship bling but his biggest accomplishments are in two scrapbooks that he’s made over the years.

“More importantly than living in those places, coaching those programs is the people all these years later that I am still tied to,” said Mims.

This season Mims is renewing a connection with two former players. 

“I never ever thought id coach the son of a former player,” said Mims.

He’s coaching not just one but two sons of former players. 

“He loved his time with Coach Mims in Cork and he was there for a short stint but they were very successful and my dad has been very successful his whole career,” said Darragh O’Sullivan, Florida Tech Freshman basketball player. 

“He had only great things to say about Coach Mims and I was very excited when he called me and offered me because it seems like a great fit Coach Mims is a great guy,” said Sean Houpt, Florida Tech Sophomore basketball player. 

After four decades of coaching Mims’ career has come full circle. 

“I must have done something right when I coached their fathers for them to recommend their sons to play for me,” said Mims. 

A feeling greater than any award. 

“To me that’s like winning a championship, that’s like getting a ring. Somebody gave me their son because they enjoyed playing for me and they trust what I can do for their son. 

To me that’s one of the most special feelings a coach can ever have,” said Mims.