Memphis basketball head coach Penny Hardaway has made a significant shift this offseason, changing nearly his entire coaching staff. Known for his distinct approach and high standards, Hardaway’s latest moves mark a drastic overhaul.
According to The Commercial Appeal’s Jason Munz, Hardaway has replaced eight coaches this summer. This includes:
Faragi Phillips (Adviser to the Head Coach)
Jamie Rosser (Director of Player Development)
Andy Borman (Assistant Coach)
Jermaine Johnson (Director of Analytics)
Darby Rich (Strength Coach)
Garrett Kelly (Director of Basketball Operations)
Andy Pennington (Director of Analytics)
Jeremy Kipness
This extensive staff change is unusual and comes at a challenging time. Despite this, Hardaway’s success is notable. In his five seasons with Memphis, he has led the Tigers to a 110-52 record, achieved five consecutive 20-win seasons, won the 2021 NIT championship, the 2023 AAC tournament championship, and secured two NCAA Tournament appearances (2022 and 2023). Last season, Memphis finished with a 22-10 record.
However, the Tigers missed out on postseason play and faced financial setbacks for Hardaway. The team is also dealing with organizational changes, including the recent hiring of athletic director Ed Scott and senior deputy AD Tim Duncan.
With only one returning scholarship player, forward Nicholas Jourdain, and 10 new scholarship players, the Tigers will look vastly different. Their season opener is scheduled for November 4 against Missouri at the FedExForum, followed by the Maui Invitational, where they will face UConn, and possibly Colorado or Michigan State. Additionally, a matchup with Mississippi State will be crucial for tournament selection.
Fans will see many new faces when the Tigers hit the court. The effectiveness of Hardaway’s new coaching staff will be critical in navigating the toughest non-conference schedule in years. If the team struggles, it may lead to speculation about Hardaway’s job security.
