Penny Hardaway to Lead Memphis Basketball Revitalization in 2026-27 Season
Penny Hardaway is set to continue as the basketball coach at Memphis for the upcoming season, as confirmed by sources. Following discussions with the Memphis administration, Hardaway has outlined his plans for the 2026-27 season, his ninth at the university. Sources indicate that his return will involve changes to the coaching staff and the addition of a general manager.
Hardaway is determined to revitalize the program after a disappointing 13-19 season, which saw the Tigers struggle with a seven-game losing streak before ending the regular season with a victory over Tulane. The team's subsequent loss to Tulane in the American Conference Tournament marked their first losing season since 1999-2000 under Johnny Jones, just before John Calipari's tenure at the school.
Despite this setback, Hardaway boasts an impressive record of 175-87 over his eight years at Memphis, with one NCAA tournament win in three appearances. Last season, Memphis secured a No. 5 seed in the NCAAs but was eliminated in the first round by No. 12 Colorado State.
The decision regarding Hardaway's future at Memphis was a challenging one, given his status as one of the university's most renowned alumni and a beloved figure in the city. Having led the team to the NCAA tournament in three of the past four years, Hardaway's contributions to the program are highly valued.
With two years remaining on his contract until April 2028, Hardaway faced a substantial buyout of nearly $6 million if released this year. Following the disappointing conclusion to the season in the American Conference tournament, Hardaway acknowledged the campaign as a "failed season."
In conclusion, Penny Hardaway's return as the basketball coach at Memphis for the upcoming season signals a commitment to revitalizing the program and overcoming the challenges faced in the previous season. With changes planned for the coaching staff and the addition of a general manager, Hardaway aims to lead the Tigers to success in the 2026-27 season and beyond.