USF starts search for next men’s basketball coach
USF will begin a search for its next men’s basketball coach after interim coach Ben Fletcher was thrust into the role in October, the university announced Friday.
USF Athletics Director Michael Kelly thanked Fletcher for his leadership “under extraordinary circumstances,” and confirmed the national search for a new head coach.
Fletcher – who was a USF assistant coach – was given the interim tag days after coach Amir Abdur-Rahim died unexpectedly due to complications from a medical procedure on Oct. 24.
Fletcher finished the season 13-19, with a 6-12 conference record.
The announcement comes a day after the Bulls’ season ended Thursday in a 73-68 loss to Wichita State in the second round of the AAC tournament.
Related: USF men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim dies at 43
“I also want to thank our staff and student-athletes for their resilience,” Kelly said. “Coach Amir would be so proud.”
The university did not announce a timeline for the search. It also did not specify if Fletcher would return to his assistant coaching position.
The Bulls had a sharp decline in production since their historic 2024 season, coupled by the death of Abdur-Rahim and departure of their three top scorers.
In Abdur-Rahim’s lone season, USF won a program-record 25 games and made its first ever AP poll appearance. He was hired in 2023 from Kennesaw State.
Related: USF men’s basketball season ends in AAC tournament exit
The Bulls fought through offensive struggles all season under Fletcher. They shot just 31.8% from three, the second-worst in the AAC.
USF finished 9th in the conference this season, a far cry from their No. 1 seed and regular season conference championship in 2024.
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