Penny Hardaway Returning to Memphis, Plans Staff Changes

The Tigers' head coach will be back for his 9th season after presenting a plan to the administration.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:39pm

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According to sources, Penny Hardaway will return as the head basketball coach at the University of Memphis for the 2026-27 season. After multiple meetings with the university administration, Hardaway presented a plan that will include changes to his coaching staff.

Why it matters

Hardaway's future at Memphis had been uncertain after the team failed to make the NCAA Tournament this past season. His return provides stability for the program, but the planned staff changes suggest he recognizes a need to improve the team's performance.

The details

Hardaway has been the head coach at Memphis since 2018. In his eight seasons so far, the Tigers have made the NCAA Tournament twice but failed to advance past the first round. This past season, the team missed the tournament entirely, leading to speculation about Hardaway's job security.

  • Hardaway will return as Memphis' head coach for the 2026-27 season.

The players

Penny Hardaway

The head basketball coach at the University of Memphis, a position he has held since 2018.

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What’s next

The details of Hardaway's planned coaching staff changes are not yet known, but they will be closely watched as he looks to get the Tigers program back on track.

The takeaway

Hardaway's return provides stability for the Memphis basketball program, but the planned staff changes suggest he recognizes a need to improve the team's performance after a disappointing season that saw them miss the NCAA Tournament.