It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the unexpected passing of Coach Amir Abdel-Rahim, a beacon of light and inspiration to all of us at the University of South Florida. From the first moment he stepped onto our campus, Coach instilled in our community an unparalleled energy, passion and sense of purpose that has resonated deeply within the USF family.
After the NFL men’s basketball team won the season’s American Athletic Conference championship, there was a big celebration on the court with celebratory photos and cutting down the nets. NFL men’s basketball fans have been waiting for a moment like this for a long time. During this celebration, the coach pulled me, President Rhea Lu, Mike Griffin, Michael Kelly and Jay Stroman to a small gathering on the field. With our heads bowed in a tight circle amidst all the cheering, he said, “Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity. Thank you for believing in me. This is just the beginning. Get used to moments like this!” He said it with such humility and sincerity that I remember feeling goosebumps in that moment.
I have always found that humility is the greatest trait of all great leaders. The coach exemplified humility and servant leadership time and time again. He was not just a coach, he was also a mentor who genuinely cared about each player and staff member, striving to lift them up on and off the field. His unwavering commitment to developing young athletes into not only better players but better individuals was evident in everything he did. He understood that basketball was more than just a game; It was an opportunity to teach valuable life lessons, enhance resilience, and build character.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, the coach was a devoted family man. He cherished his wife Ariane and their children who were the center of his world. His love for his family was evident in every conversation, every smile, and every story he shared. It was clear that their support fueled his passion for coaching. The coach balanced his commitment to his players with an unwavering dedication to his family, showing us all how to prioritize what truly matters in life.
In his short time with us, it is no exaggeration to say that Coach has transformed our basketball program. His leadership has inspired a renewed sense of hope and joy among players and fans alike. I remember attending his first NFL home game in the fall of 2023 to support our new coach. It would be generous to say there were 1,500 fans in the stands. By the end of the season, there were no empty seats at home, and the Yuengling Center was buzzing with the energy of more than 10,000 fans.
Although his time with us came to a tragic end, the impact of coach Amir Abdul Rahim’s contributions will be felt for years to come. We’ve all been taught that success isn’t just measured by wins and losses, but by the relationships we build and the lives we touch. He had many gifts, but I will always remember his ability to build meaningful friendships with his kindness and optimism. His legacy will be one of compassion, determination and the relentless pursuit of excellence – qualities that will continue to inspire us as we move forward.
In these moments of sadness, we should all celebrate the joy that Coach has brought to our lives. As a community, we must continue his passion for the game and his belief in the power of teamwork and perseverance. We can honor his legacy by fostering a culture of enthusiasm, kindness, and excellence in everything we do at USF.
Coach – Thank you for believing in us and helping us believe in ourselves. You were right. This is just the beginning. But it was your flame that ignited the fire within all of us.
Thank you, coach. We will miss you!
Will Weatherford is Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of South Florida.
