The South Florida Bulls basketball team is mourning the loss of head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, who passed away at the age of 43 due to complications during a medical procedure. Abdur-Rahim was named the head coach of USF in 2023 and led the team to the American Athletic Conference’s regular-season championship in his first year. USF athletic director Michael Kelly described Abdur-Rahim as authentic and driven, with an infectious personality that captivated Bulls Nation. Abdur-Rahim was known as a rising star in the coaching world and had great success in his coaching career.
Abdur-Rahim started his coaching career at Kennesaw State, where he struggled initially but experienced a turnaround in his final two seasons, leading the team to the NCAA Tournament. He brought his success to USF, where he was named the AAC’s coach of the year in his first season. The Bulls had a successful season under Abdur-Rahim, going 25-8, winning the conference regular-season title, and earning a ranking in the AP Top 25. Abdur-Rahim attributed his success to learning from his mistakes and responding positively to challenges faced during his coaching career.
USF’s current basketball team was picked third in the AAC preseason poll and is set to open the season with an exhibition game on October 30. However, Abdur-Rahim’s passing has left a void in the team and the coaching community. Coaches and colleagues expressed their condolences and shared their grief over losing a good man and leader. Abdur-Rahim leaves behind his wife, Arianne, and three children, as well as a large extended family, including his brother, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, who is the G League president and a former NBA player.
The sudden and tragic loss of Abdur-Rahim has deeply impacted the USF community, including the athletic department and fans. USF football coach Alex Golesh expressed his devastation over the passing of his good friend, acknowledging Abdur-Rahim as an outstanding man, husband, father, and leader. As USF prepares to open their 2024-25 season, the university has not yet named a successor to fill the head coaching position left vacant by Abdur-Rahim’s passing. The legacy of Abdur-Rahim’s coaching career and the impact he made on those he encountered will be remembered and honored by those who knew him.
