Amir Abdur-Rahim, South Florida basketball coach, dies at 43

University of South Florida head basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim is dead. He was 43.

According to an announcement posted on the school's athletics website, Abdur-Rahim was undergoing a medical procedure at a Tampa-area hospital “when he passed away due to complications that arose during the procedure.”

Abdur-Rahim was named head coach of the basketball team in March 2023. Last winter, during his first season with the USF Bulls, he led the team to their first regular season championship and was named American Athletic Conference coach for the year. It was also the first time they finished in the top 25 in the regular season.

The team finished the season with a record of 25-8 after four straight losing seasons.

“Amir was only at our conference for a year, but he left such a profound impact on so many people, both on the field and in the community, simply by treating everyone with kindness, dignity and respect,” the American Athletic Conference said in a statement following his death.

USF President Rhea Law expressed similar sentiments, expressing in a statement that Abdur-Rahim has had “an indelible impact” on the university in a very short period of time.

“He brought unmatched enthusiasm, achieved unparalleled success and helped create unforgettable memories for Bulls Nation. During my time with Coach Abdur-Rahim, I was continually inspired by his leadership and truly admired his genuine approach to connecting with our entire student body,” Law said.

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Vice President of Athletics Michael Kelly said Abdur-Rahim had an “authentic,” “motivated” and “infectious personality” who captivated the university and left a “lasting impression.”

Before coming to USF, Abdur-Rahim was the head coach at Kennesaw State University in Georgia for four seasons. There, he helped lead the team to its first March Madness appearance after winning the 2023 Atlantic Sun regular season and tournament titles, a KSU news release said.

He is remembered for “doubling the program's win total each season,” culminating in a postseason run “that captured the hearts of Owl Nation.”

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Abdur-Rahim leaves behind his wife Arianne and three children.