USF men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, who led the Bulls to the program’s first regular-season conference title last winter in his first year on the job, died Thursday following complications during a medical procedure at a local hospital.
A married father of three, Abdur-Rahim was 43 and widely deemed one of the rising stars in the collegiate game. Though he had been absent from recent Bulls practices, the news of his death shocked peers, players and the school community.
“All of us with South Florida Athletics are grieving with the loved ones of Coach Abdur-Rahim,” USF athletic director Michael Kelly said in a statement released by the school early Thursday evening.
“He was authentic, driven, and his infectious personality captivated all of Bulls Nation. Coach Abdur-Rahim leaves a lasting impact on our student-athletes, the university and the community. We are supporting those closest to him, including his family, team and athletics staff, to ensure they have the resources they need to deal with this tremendous loss.”
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In a social media post early Thursday, USF board of trustees chairperson Will Weatherford called it a “heartbreaking day” for the school.
“Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim’s passing is a shock to us all,” Weatherford posted. “He was an incredible person and friend and I feel blessed to have known him. I will be praying for his family and all those who loved him so much.”
One of 13 siblings from a blended family (and one of six brothers to play college hoops), Abdur-Rahim was hired in March 2023 after orchestrating a stunning three-year turnaround at Kennesaw State, located on Atlanta’s northern fringe. A former Georgia and Texas A&M assistant, he totaled only 19 wins his first three seasons with the Owls before leading them to a 26-9 record and NCAA Tournament berth in 2023.
He essentially oversaw the same transformation in Tampa, only much faster, fulfilling a vision he verbalized to Kelly upon his arrival.
“I asked (Kelly), ‘You afraid of heights? Because you’re going to have to get up on that ladder one day to cut down those nets,’” Abdur-Rahim said at his introductory news conference.
Less than a year later, the Bulls broke out the ladder.
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USF, which had suffered four consecutive losing seasons, went 25-8 last winter. Led in part by a handful of Kennesaw State transfers who followed their coach to Tampa, USF captured the American Athletic Conference’s regular-season crown, earned the program’s first Associated Press Top 25 ranking and reached the second round of the National Invitational Tournament.
He was named American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year.
“In a very short time, Coach Abdur-Rahim made an indelible impact on the University of South Florida,” USF president Rhea Law said in the university-released statement.
“In his first season as our head coach, he brought an unmatched enthusiasm, achieved unprecedented success and helped generate unforgettable memories for Bulls Nation. Throughout my time working with Coach Abdur-Rahim, I was continually inspired by his leadership, and truly admired his sincere approach to connecting with our entire student body.
“His influence on our student-athletes, coaching staff and the university community will live on forever.”
In a statement released Thursday night, new American Athletic Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti said Abdur-Rahim “won the right way, with class and grace.”
“Amir was only in our conference for one year, but he made such a profound impact on so many people, both on the court and in the community, simply by treating everyone with kindness, dignity and respect.”
The school is expected to further address the tragedy, and the program’s short-term future, in the coming days. The Bulls are slated to open the regular season Nov. 4 against Florida in Jacksonville.
Contact Joey Knight at jknight@tampabay.com . Follow @TBTimes_Bulls.
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