Report: Memphis retaining coach Penny Hardaway

Field Level Media|published: Mon 16th March, 10:02 2026

Feb 26, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Tigers Head Coach Penny Hardaway reacts against the Wichita State Shockers during the second half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images

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.

--Field Level Media

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