TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — University of South Florida officials introduced interim Head Coach Ben Fletcher at a press conference following the death of coach Amir Abdur-Rahim.

Vice President for Athletics Michael Kelly joined coach Ben Fletcher as they addressed the future as well as what impact Abdur-Rahim had on the team, university, and the community.

“He connected this whole community,” Kelly said of Abdur-Rahim.

Coach Fletcher will serve as the team’s interim head coach during the 2024 season.

“Coach Amir would want me to do this, so, just thank you and know I don’t take this lightly,” an emotional Fletcher promised.

“Guys are eager to do what they love, and do what coach wanted them to do both as basketball players and as men,” said Vice President Kelly when asked about the team’s mindset.

“It’s a strong bunch, it’s a great bunch,” Kelly said.

Fletcher said he and Abdur-Rahim played against each other in college before the pair joined forces to coach the USF men’s team last year.

Amir Abdur-Rahim died last week after “undergoing a medical procedure at a Tampa-area hospital.” He reportedly died from complications during the procedure.

Abdur-Rahim joined USF’s coaching staff on March 29, 2023, and led the Bulls to their first regular-season conference championship with a 25-8 record, the most wins in the history of USF’s basketball program.

Due to his success, the coach was named American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year during the past season.

Abdur-Rahim is survived by his wife, Arianne, and their three children.