Amir Abdul Rahim, the head men's basketball coach at the University of South Florida (USF), pass away on Thursday at the age of 43. According to USF officials, he was undergoing a medical procedure at a Tampa-area hospital when he died from complications.
Despite spending only one season with the Bulls, Abdul Rahim made an immediate impact, earning the title of Coach of the Year in the American Athletic Conference after leading the team to a record of 25 wins and 8 losses. Under his leadership, the Bulls won their first conference championship and set a record for the most wins in a single season.
The Bulls also achieved a record-setting 15-game winning streak, were ranked among the top 25 teams for the first time during the regular season, and set a new attendance record with 10,659 fans at a game against 24th-ranked Florida Atlantic, which they won 90-86 on February 18.
Just days before USF's first appearance in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) since 2018-2019, Abdul Rahim was named a semifinalist for the Naismith Coach of the Year award. The Bulls defeated the University of Central Florida in the first round before losing to VCU in the second.
USF President Rhea Law expressed her sorrow, stating, "In an incredibly short time, Coach Abdul Rahim made an indelible impact at 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 fans." She added, "Throughout my time with him, I was continuously inspired by his leadership and truly impressed by his sincere approach to connecting with all students. His influence on players, staff, and the campus community will always remain."
Abdul Rahim was hired by USF in March 2023 after spending four years as the head coach at Kennesaw State, where he turned the program around from a dismal 1-28 record in his first season (2019-2020) to a 26-9 record and an NCAA tournament appearance in 2022-2023.
In addition to bringing several Kennesaw State players who made a significant impact at USF, Abdul Rahim infused new energy into a long-struggling program. He engaged with students by offering ice cream at the Marshall Center, meeting them in line outside the Yuengling Center before games, and celebrating with them in the stands after games.
In February, Abdul Rahim told WUSF, "I believe our students and staff deserve a person as head coach." He added, "I have a title, but I'm a human. I was raised with a certain set of principles and values, and I want to be part of the community. I want to be close to the people."
At that time, player Corey Walker spoke about Abdul Rahim's genuine concern for his players. "It’s certain things. He doesn’t need to give a speech. He can just come up to you and say, 'I love you.' That’s like saying a million words."
Abdul Rahim emphasized that his relationship with players extended beyond the court. "I’m going to push you to excel in your studies. I’m going to push you to work extra in practice. Do you have a girlfriend? Bring her to my office; I want to meet her. We’ll talk about how to become a man."
Tributes poured in for Abdul Rahim on Thursday night. USF Vice President for Athletics Michael Kelly said, "We all at the University of South Florida mourn alongside Coach Abdul Rahim's loved ones." He added, "He was an authentic, driven person, and his infectious personality drew all Bulls fans in. Abdul Rahim leaves a lasting impact on his players, the university, and the community. We fully support his family, team, and staff in coping with this profound loss."
USF football coach Alex Golesh stated, "I am absolutely devastated by the passing of my dear friend Amir Abdul Rahim. He was a wonderful man, a husband, a father, and a leader who brought positive energy to everyone he met."
NCAA Vice President Dan Gavitt described Abdul Rahim's death as "heartbreaking," adding, "He was a talented and vibrant coach, but he was an even better man."
AAC Commissioner Mike Aresco stated, "Abdul Rahim won the right way, with honor and grace," and added, "In just five years as a head coach, Amir established himself as one of the best in college basketball, winning championships in two conferences and leading USF and Kennesaw State to unprecedented levels of success."
This season, the USF team was picked to finish third in the AAC preseason poll. The team is scheduled to play an exhibition game on October 30 against Edward Waters University before opening the season against 21st-ranked Florida in Jacksonville on November 4.
A graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Abdul Rahim previously served as an assistant coach at the University of Georgia, Texas A&M, Charleston, and Murray State.
Abdul Rahim is survived by his wife, Arian, and three children: daughters Layla and Lana and son Aiden. He had 12 siblings, one of whom, Sharif Abdul Rahim, is a former G League president and NBA player.