Amir Abdur-Rahim, the head coach of the University of South Florida men’s basketball team, died on Thursday at the age of 43 due to complications from a medical procedure at a hospital in the Tampa area, according to the university.
Abdur-Rahim had just finished an incredible season with the Bulls, leading them to their first-ever regular-season championship in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) and setting a program record with 25 wins.
“All of us with South Florida Athletics are grieving with the loved ones of Coach Abdur-Rahim,” said USF Athletic Director Michael Kelly. “He was authentic, driven, and his infectious personality captivated all of Bulls Nation.”
His coaching career included assistant positions at Murray State, Georgia Tech, College of Charleston, Texas A&M, and the University of Georgia.
Under his leadership, USF achieved its first-ever AP Top 25 ranking, earning him the title of AAC Coach of the Year. Before joining USF in 2023, Amir Abdur-Rahim accomplished a remarkable turnaround at Kennesaw State.
After taking over a team that had a dismal 1-28 record in his first season, he transformed the Owls into a 26-win squad that made it to the NCAA tournament in 2023. This feat earned him the Hugh Durham Award as the nation’s top mid-major coach.
Amir Abdur-Rahim was the fourth-oldest of 13 siblings. His brother Shareef, a former NBA player, released a heartfelt statement asking for prayers, adding, “As @sunsetAMIR would say, to God be the Glory.”
Abdur-Rahim is survived by his wife, Arianne, and their three children: daughters Laila and Lana, and son Aydin. USF was scheduled to begin its 2024-25 season on November 4 against Florida in Jacksonville. The university is providing support resources to Abdur-Rahim’s family, team members, and athletics staff.