South Florida names Ben Fletcher interim coach

(Photo credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images)

South Florida named Ben Fletcher as the interim coach on Tuesday following last week's unexpected passing of head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim.

Fletcher joined the Bulls as an assistant coach on Abdur-Rahim's first staff last season. He spent the previous four seasons as Abdur-Rahim's assistant at Kennesaw State from 2019-23.

Abdur-Rahim died last Thursday due to complications during a medical procedure in the Tampa, Fla., area at the age of 43.

"There's no question in my mind that Ben is the right man to lead our program forward," athletic director Michael Kelly said at an introductory press conference Tuesday.

"It's a difficult time, as you know," an emotional Fletcher said. "But I know Coach Amir would want me to do this. So, thank you. And know that I don't take this lightly."

South Florida experienced four straight losing seasons before Abdur-Rahim arrived and guided the team to 25-8 record (16-2 American Athletic Conference) and an NIT berth. The Bulls beat UCF in the first round before losing to VCU in the second.

The university will have a celebration of life to honor Abdur-Rahim on Saturday at the Yuengling Center in Tampa.

Fletcher will lead the Bulls in an exhibition game against Edward Waters at home on Wednesday night.

South Florida will open the regular season on Monday against Florida on a neutral court in Jacksonville, Fla.

Fletcher helped Kennesaw State finish 26-9 and earn an NCAA Tournament berth in 2022-23. Prior to his time there, he guided Troy to the NCAA tourney as both a player (2003) and an assistant coach (2017). He was an assistant coach for the Trojans for 14 seasons (2005-19).

--Field Level Media