Show summary Hide summary
- Why the university kept Penny Hardaway as head coach
- What went wrong in 2025-26 and how the team slipped
- Staff moves and a new general manager to reshape roster building
- Conference competition that awaits Memphis in 2026-27
- Key offseason items to watch for Memphis fans and analysts
- Outlook: can Memphis rebound under Hardaway?
Penny Hardaway will return as Memphis’ head coach for the 2026-27 season, despite a turbulent 2025-26 campaign that left the Tigers out of the NCAA Tournament. The decision follows internal discussions, a presented recovery plan and promised staff changes as the program seeks to rebuild momentum.
Why the university kept Penny Hardaway as head coach
The administration weighed a disappointing season against a longer track record of success.
United Polaris Studio suites: tickets now on sale for April inaugural flights
Auston Matthews-Radko Gudas controversy: Pierre LeBrun predicts fallout
- Proven resume: Hardaway has three NCAA appearances in four years recently.
- Program history: Memphis notched 20-plus wins in each of his first seven seasons.
- Overall record: He stands at 175-86 during his tenure at Memphis.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Hardaway met university leaders and delivered a plan that convinced decision-makers to retain him. That plan includes staff turnover and the addition of new front-office support.
What went wrong in 2025-26 and how the team slipped
Memphis struggled to stay competitive in the American Athletic Conference. The Tigers finished 13-19 overall and 8-10 in league play.
- Offensive gaps after roster shifts.
- Inability to replace production lost to transfers.
- Inconsistency in conference matchups.
A major blow was the departure of leading scorer PJ Haggerty to the transfer portal. The team never recovered the rhythm and scoring balance he provided.
Staff moves and a new general manager to reshape roster building
Memphis will pursue changes on the bench and in the front office. The administration plans to hire a general manager to assist with roster construction.
How a GM could change things
- Scouting and recruiting coordination: Centralized evaluation of transfers and prospects.
- Roster planning: A GM helps balance scholarships and long-term development.
- Day-to-day relief: More time for the head coach to focus on coaching and strategy.
Hardaway reportedly agreed to bring in new assistants and adjust staff roles. The goal is clear: rebuild quickly and improve player development.
Conference competition that awaits Memphis in 2026-27
The American Athletic Conference got stronger in 2025-26. South Florida dominated, clinching both the regular-season crown and the conference tournament title.
- South Florida arrived in March as one of the nation’s best mid-major teams.
- Wichita State and Tulsa also fielded strong lineups.
- Memphis will need roster upgrades to challenge this group.
Key offseason items to watch for Memphis fans and analysts
- Coaching hires: Which assistants join the staff and what roles they fill.
- General manager search: The experience and vision of the new hire will matter.
- Transfer portal activity: Can Memphis attract scorers to replace Haggerty?
- Recruiting class: Fresh talent and transfers who fit Hardaway’s system.
- Team culture: How quickly the program re-establishes identity and toughness.
Outlook: can Memphis rebound under Hardaway?
Retention of Hardaway signals the university trusts his ability to recover the program. The season ahead will test that faith.
If the staff changes and a front-office hire produce better roster decisions, Memphis has a path back to contention in the American and a return to NCAA Tournament play.
