The University of South Florida is mourning the loss of head men’s basketball coach, Amir Abdur-Rahim, who passed away at the age of 43 during a medical procedure in a Tampa-area hospital. Abdur-Rahim had been appointed as head coach in March 2023 and guided the USF Bulls to their first-ever championship in the regular season, earning him the American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year award. He brought the team back from four consecutive losing seasons, finishing his first year with a 25-8 record.
Both the American Athletic Conference and USF President Rhea Law praised Abdur-Rahim for his positive impact on the university and the community through his leadership, kindness, and success on the court. Vice President for Athletics, Michael Kelly, described him as having an authentic, driven, and infectious personality that left a lasting impact on everyone he encountered.
Prior to joining USF, Abdur-Rahim coached at Kennesaw State University in Georgia, where he led the team to its first March Madness appearance. He is remembered for doubling the program’s win total each season and capturing the hearts of Owl Nation with a memorable postseason run.
Abdur-Rahim is survived by his wife, Arianne, and three children. The basketball community is mourning the loss of a talented coach who made a significant impact in a short amount of time and will be remembered for his achievements and character both on and off the court.
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