Amir Abdur-Rahim, the head men’s basketball coach at the University of South Florida, passed away on Thursday due to complications from a medical procedure. He was 43 years old and recognized as a promising young coach in the field.
The university did not provide specifics about the procedure or the complications that arose.
Michael Kelly, USF’s vice president for athletics, expressed in a statement that Abdur-Rahim was “authentic, driven, and his infectious personality captivated all of Bulls Nation.”
Amir Abdur-Rahim was appointed as the head coach for the Bulls ahead of the 2023-2024 season, leading the team to their first-ever regular season American Athletic Conference (AAC) championship with an impressive 25-8 record, marking the highest number of wins in the program’s history. He also guided the Bulls to their first top 25 ranking and earned the title of AAC Coach of the Year.
“Coach Abdur-Rahim made a significant impact on our student-athletes, the university, and the community,” Kelly added. “We are committed to supporting his family, team, and athletic staff during this difficult time to ensure they have the resources they need to cope with this immense loss.”
Prior to his tenure in Tampa, Abdur-Rahim served as the head coach of the Kennesaw State Owls for four seasons. Although the team struggled with a 1-28 record in 2019-2020, he successfully turned the program around, leading them to the NCAA tournament three years later.
In the 2022-2023 season, the Kennesaw State Owls concluded with a record of 26-9, securing both the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) regular-season and tournament titles. They ultimately fell to No. 3 seed Xavier in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
USF President Rhea Law praised Abdur-Rahim for his “unmatched enthusiasm,” noting his remarkable achievements and the unforgettable memories he created for Bulls Nation.
“During my time working with Coach Abdur-Rahim, I was consistently inspired by his leadership and deeply admired his genuine approach to engaging with our entire student body,” Law remarked. “His impact on our student-athletes, coaching staff, and the broader university community will endure.”
Abdur-Rahim was one of 13 siblings, six of whom played college basketball. His older brother, Shareef, had a 12-year career in the NBA and currently serves as the president of the NBA G-League.
In a 2023 interview with CNN’s Coy Wire, Abdur-Rahim reflected on his upbringing, expressing that the word that resonated with him was “grateful.” He also shared thoughts about his late father.
“I want him to know that he raised a man,” an emotional Abdur-Rahim expressed to Wire. “And by that, I mean someone with character, integrity, and a genuine concern for his community.”
Abdur-Rahim is survived by his wife, Arianne, and their three children.
USF is set to kick off the 2024-2025 regular season against No. 21 Florida in Jacksonville. The Bulls will have their first home game on November 12 against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.