Featured NCAA Basketball Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim Dies Days Before Season Starts

University of South Florida announced with a press release Men’s basketball head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim tragically passed away Thursday at the age of 43 due to complications during a medical procedure.

“All of us at South Florida Athletics grieve for Coach Abdur-Rahim’s loved ones,” USF athletic director Michael Kelly said. “He was authentic and 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 support those closest to him, including his family, team, and athletics staff as they cope with this tremendous loss.” making sure they have the resources they need to get out.”

Abdur-Rahim, older brother’s younger brother NBA All-Star Shareef played at Southeastern Louisiana University under Billy Kennedy. He got his first assistant coaching job under Kennedy at Murray State, then worked at Texas A&M and Georgia.

He became the head coach of Kennesaw State for the first time in the 2019-20 season.

The Owls won a single game in their first year under Abdur-Rahim. Kennesaw State has turned into a 26-win juggernaut in its fourth and final season with the program in 2022-23, making March Madness for the first time in school history.

Abdur-Rahim made an immediate impact in his first (and now only) season at USF, leading the Bulls to a 25-8 record and a No. 24 ranking in the Associated Press and USA Today Coaches Poll. The club won one game in the NIT. For his efforts, he unanimously earned the American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year award. He was also a finalist for the 2024 Naismith College Coach of the Year award, which went to University of Connecticut Huskies head coach Dan Hurley, who won the last two NCAA championships.

Abdur-Rahim compiled a career record of 70-82 as a head coach, going 0-1 in March Madness meetings and 1-1 in NIT games.

“In a very short period of time, Coach Abdur-Rahim has made an indelible impact on the University of South Florida. In his first season as our head coach, he brought unmatched enthusiasm, achieved unprecedented success, and helped create unforgettable memories for Bulls Nation.” USF President Rhea Law said: “During my time working with Coach Abdur-Rahim, I have been continually inspired by his leadership and truly admired his genuine approach to connecting with our entire student body. His impact on our student-athletes, coaching staff, and university community will live on forever.”

Abdur-Rahim was the father of three children, daughters Laila and Lana and son Aydin, with his wife Arianne. Kevin Sweeney for Sports Illustrated.

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