USF names new interim head men’s basketball coach after Amir Abdur-Rahim’s sudden death

USF names Interim basketball coach

FOX 13's Sean Barie reports on the USF Bulls naming an interim basketball coach after the passing of Head Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim.

TAMPA, Fla. - Less than a week after USF head men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim died during a medical procedure, the school announced who would fill his shoes in the interim.

On Tuesday, USF announced that Ben Fletcher, the men’s basketball associate head coach, will be the interim head coach for the 2024-25 season. This comes as the team works to move forward after Abdur-Rahim died unexpectedly last Thursday after suffering complications at a Tampa hospital.

"It's a difficult day, as you know. But, I know that Coach Amir would want me to do this," Fletcher said.

Flethcher played against Abdur-Rahim in college and also coached with him the last five seasons. He served as the assistant head coach for the 2023-24 season and was promoted to associate head coach in June. According to the university, Fletcher also spent four seasons as an assistant coach under Abdur-Rahim at Kennesaw State University.

The newly named interim coach said he's confident that the friend he made off the court will still lead the Bulls on it this season.

"He will spearhead us through this season," Fletcher said of Abdur-Rahim. "I know it. We will not try to forget or push emotions to the side."

File: Amir Abdur-Rahim

The legacy that Abdur-Rahim left at USF in just one season, meanwhile, will still be seen whenever the Bulls take the court. But, his standard extended off the court, as well.

While leading the Bulls to their first regular season conference championship in program history, the team's head coach would regularly walk campus to interact with students, buying them coffee while never being afraid to share the student section with them, either.

"He bought into the lesson that we're all more alike than we are unalike," said Kelly. "It was magical to watch him walk around this campus."

Abdur-Rahim was the American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year this past season, officials said. He also led the Bulls to their first regular-season conference championship following a 25-8 record. He also led them to their first-ever Top 25 ranking during the regular season, reaching as high as No. 24 in the Associated Press and USA Today Coaches Poll.

Now, just six days after learning of their head coach's passing, the Bulls play their first game Wednesday night in an exhibition against Edward Waters University. USF will also hold a Celebration of Life for Abdur-Rahim on Nov. 2 at 11 a.m. at the Yuengling Center.

Instead of flowers, Abdul-Rahim's family asks for donations to be made to a non-profit organization that Abdul-Rahim worked with called the Future Foundation.

Abdur-Rahim is survived by his wife, Arianne, and three children.

STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: