I’m deeply saddened to share the heartbreaking news that Amir Abdur-Rahim, the University of South Florida (USF) men’s basketball coach, has passed away at the age of 43.
According to the university, Abdur Rahim died on Thursday due to complications that arose during a medical procedure he was undergoing at a hospital near Tampa. The loss of this rising star in the coaching world has left the USF community and the broader college basketball landscape in a state of profound grief.
USF vice president for athletics, Michael Kelly, expressed the university’s sorrow in a statement, describing Abdur-Rahim as an “authentic, driven” leader whose “infectious personality captivated all of Bulls Nation.”
“Coach Abdur-Rahim leaves a lasting impact on our student-athletes, the university, and the community,” Kelly said. “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.”
Amir Abdur-Rahim took over the USF program just last year, and in his inaugural season, he led the team to a remarkable 25-8 record, securing the program’s first-ever American Athletic Conference (AAC) regular-season championship. This historic achievement earned him the AAC Coach of the Year award, and it marked the first time the Bulls had ever finished above.500 in conference play since 2012.
Under Abdur Rahim’s guidance, the USF men’s basketball team also made history by earning a spot in the AP Top 25 rankings for the first time, reaching as high as No. 24 in the polls.
USF president Rhea Law praised Abdur-Rahim’s lasting impact on the university, stating that in his short time as head coach, he “brought an unmatched enthusiasm, achieved unprecedented success, and helped generate unforgettable memories for Bulls Nation.”
“Coach Abdur-Rahim’s leadership and sincere approach to connecting with our entire student body continually inspired me throughout my time working with him,” Law said. “His influence on our student-athletes, coaching staff, and the university community will live on forever.”
Abdur-Rahim’s sudden passing is a devastating blow not only to the USF community but also to the broader college basketball landscape. Prior to joining the Bulls, he had enjoyed a successful tenure at Kennesaw State, leading the team to its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 2023 and earning the prestigious Hugh Durham Award, which recognizes the nation’s top mid-major coach.
Before becoming a head coach, Abdur-Rahim had honed his skills as an assistant at various programs, including Georgia, Texas A&M, the College of Charleston, Georgia Tech, and Murray State. People widely regarded him as a rising star in the coaching world, known for his ability to connect with players and his relentless work ethic.
His wife, Arianne, and their three children, daughters Laila and Lana, and son Aydin, survive Abdur-Rahim. His younger brother, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, is a former NBA player and the current president of the NBA G League.
As the USF community grapples with this immense loss, the outpouring of support and tributes from across the college basketball landscape have been a testament to the profound impact Amir Abdur-Rahim had on the sport.
“We are heartbroken over the passing of Coach Abdur-Rahim,” read a social media post from the USF Men’s Basketball account. “Coach Abdur-Rahim was a tremendous man and leader, his infectious personality a shining light to all he encountered.” Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and everyone that he left a lasting impact on.”
In the days and weeks to come, the USF Bulls will undoubtedly honor Abdur-Rahim’s legacy and the indelible mark he left on the program and the university as a whole. His passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his players and the community will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.
As a news reporter, I’m deeply saddened by the loss of this exceptional coach and leader. All those touched by Amir Abdur-Rahim’s remarkable life and career will forever feel his impact and remember him.