South Florida plans coaching search after Ben Fletcher served in interim role this season
South Florida plans coaching search after Ben Fletcher served in interim role this season
South Florida head coach Ben Fletcher reacts to a call during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Memphis Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
South Florida head coach Ben Fletcher instructs his team against Memphis during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, March 7, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Nikki Boertman)
South Florida head coach Ben Fletcher reacts to a call during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Memphis Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
South Florida head coach Ben Fletcher reacts to a call during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Memphis Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
South Florida head coach Ben Fletcher instructs his team against Memphis during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, March 7, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Nikki Boertman)
South Florida head coach Ben Fletcher instructs his team against Memphis during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, March 7, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Nikki Boertman)
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — South Florida will conduct a national search for a new men’s basketball coach after Ben Fletcher filled the role on an interim basis this season following the death of Amir Abdur-Rahim.
Abdur-Rahim died at the age of 43 on Oct. 24, 11 days before South Florida’s season opener. The Bulls went 13-19 overall and 6-12 in the American Athletic Conference this season under Fletcher, who previously had served as an assistant on Abdur-Rahim’s staffs at Kennesaw State and South Florida.
The Bulls lost their last five games, including a 73-68 decision against Wichita State in the American Athletic Conference Tournament on Thursday.
“We are eternally grateful to interim head coach Ben Fletcher for his leadership under extraordinary circumstances this season. I also want to thank our staff and student-athletes for their resilience,” South Florida vice president for athletics Michael Kelly said in a statement released by the school. “Coach Amir would be so proud. A national search is underway for our next head basketball coach.”
Abdur-Rahim died from complications that presented while he was undergoing a procedure at a Tampa-area hospital. He coached one season at South Florida and led the Bulls to a 25-8 record and American Athletic Conference regular-season title. He had taken over South Florida’s program after leading Kennesaw State to a 26-9 record and NCAA Tournament appearance during the 2022-23 season.
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