University of South Florida men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, who led the Bulls to their most successful season in program history, suddenly died Thursday following complications during a medical procedure at a Tampa-area hospital. He was 43.
“All of us with South Florida Athletics are grieving with the loved ones of Coach Abdur-Rahim,” USF athletic director Michael Kelly said in a statement. “He was authentic, driven, and his infectious personality captivated all of Bulls Nation.”
His brother, former NBA star and current G League president Shareef Abdur-Rahim, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support.
“On behalf of my family, I want to express our gratitude to all who have reached out regarding Amir’s passing,” he wrote on X. “Please remember our family in your prayers. As @sunsetAMIR would say, to God be the Glory.”
Abdur-Rahim’s death comes just six days before USF’s scheduled exhibition opener against Edward Waters University. In his single season with the Bulls, he orchestrated one of college basketball’s most remarkable turnarounds, leading the program to its first American Athletic Conference regular-season title and first-ever AP Top 25 ranking.
“In a very short time, Coach Abdur-Rahim made an indelible impact on the University of South Florida,” USF president Rhea Law said. “He brought an unmatched enthusiasm, achieved unprecedented success and helped generate unforgettable memories for Bulls Nation.”
Before joining USF in 2023, Abdur-Rahim engineered another dramatic rebuild at Kennesaw State, taking the program from one win in his first season to an NCAA tournament appearance in his final year.
NCAA senior vice president Dan Gavitt called Abdur-Rahim’s death “heartbreaking,” adding, “Amir was such a vibrant and talented coach, and an even better man.”
Abdur-Rahim is survived by his wife, Arianne, and their three children: daughters Laila and Lana and son Aydin.