Memphis is retaining men’s basketball coach Penny Hardaway following the program’s first losing season since 1999-2000, ESPN reported Monday.
The Tigers lost eight of their last nine games to finish 13-19 (8-10 American Conference), culminating with an 81-69 loss to Tulane in the first round of the conference tournament last Wednesday in Birmingham, Ala.
That snapped a streak of seven straight 20-win seasons at his alma mater for Hardaway, 54, who has compiled a 175-87 record with three NCAA Tournament appearance since taking over in 2018-19. He was named his league’s Coach of the Year last season and led the Tigers to an NIT title in 2021.
Memphis finished with its fewest wins since 1998-99 (13-15) and its most losses since 1969-70 (6-20), not including seasons with forfeited or vacated wins due to program penalties.
According to Monday’s report, Hardaway’s return for a ninth season in 2026-27 will include changes on his coaching staff and the hiring of a general manager.
Hardaway’s contract runs through April 2028 and includes a buyout of nearly $6 million if he were to be let go this year, per the report.
Hardaway was an All-American point guard at Memphis and the No. 3 pick in the 1993 NBA Draft. He was a four-time NBA All-Star with the Orlando Magic and played 14 seasons with four teams, averaging 15.2 points, 5.0 assists and 4.5 rebounds in 704 games.
