Memphis Coach Penny Hardaway on Hot Seat Amid Struggles

ESPN insider Jeff Borzello reports Hardaway's future with the Tigers is uncertain after a disappointing 12-16 season.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 5:55am

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Memphis head basketball coach Penny Hardaway is facing an uncertain future with the program, according to ESPN insider Jeff Borzello. Despite leading the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament in three of the last four seasons, including a 29-win campaign and 5-seed last year, Hardaway's team has fallen to 12-16 this season. Borzello suggests Hardaway's job could be in jeopardy if the struggles continue, even though he recently signed a six-year contract extension.

Why it matters

Penny Hardaway is a Memphis legend as both a player and coach, and his potential departure would be a major shakeup for the Tigers' basketball program. The team's recent downturn has raised questions about Hardaway's long-term future, especially with the high expectations that come with his contract extension.

The details

In his eighth season as Memphis' head coach, Hardaway has compiled a 174-83 record. However, the Tigers have failed to advance past the Round of 32 in three NCAA Tournament appearances under Hardaway. This season's 12-16 record, including three straight double-digit losses, has Hardaway's job status in doubt according to Borzello. The ESPN insider suggested Hardaway may even be willing to step away on his own if the situation continues to deteriorate.

  • Hardaway signed a six-year contract extension in 2022 that runs through the 2027-28 season.
  • Memphis is 12-16 overall this season after a 29-win campaign and 5-seed NCAA Tournament berth last year.

The players

Penny Hardaway

The head basketball coach at the University of Memphis, where he has led the Tigers to three NCAA Tournament appearances in the last four seasons.

Jeff Borzello

An ESPN college basketball insider who reported on Hardaway's uncertain future at Memphis.

Ed Scott

The athletic director at the University of Memphis who will ultimately decide Hardaway's fate with the program.

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What they’re saying

“Penny Hardaway appeared to have Memphis on the right track after last season's 29-win season and 5-seed in the NCAA tournament — the Tigers' third tourney trip in four years. But things have fallen apart this season. Hardaway had won at least 20 games in each of his previous seven seasons in charge, but the Tigers dropped to 12-15 overall after their third straight double-digit loss Sunday.”

— Jeff Borzello, ESPN College Basketball Insider

“He was very emotional in his postgame news conference after an earlier loss, at times fighting back tears. Whether athletic director Ed Scott wants to fire a program legend 12 months after earning a 5-seed remains to be seen — as does whether Hardaway wants to step away on his own.”

— Jeff Borzello, ESPN College Basketball Insider

What’s next

Memphis will return to action on Sunday against East Carolina. Barring a strong finish to the season and a deep run in the American Athletic Conference Tournament, it appears unlikely the Tigers will earn an NCAA Tournament bid, which could further jeopardize Hardaway's future with the program.

The takeaway

Penny Hardaway's tenure at Memphis has reached a critical juncture, as the once-successful coach now finds himself on the hot seat amid a disappointing 12-16 season. This situation highlights the high expectations and pressure that come with being a prominent college basketball program, and Hardaway's future with the Tigers remains uncertain as the program looks to regain its footing.