Former Mizzou Assistant Coach Joins Memphis Staff

Steve Wright leaves Dennis Gates' program to become assistant under Penny Hardaway.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 4:11am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors representing a college basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping planes.A cubist interpretation of the coaching staff changes between Missouri and Memphis, reflecting the dynamic shifts in college basketball.Memphis Today

Steve Wright, an assistant coach under Dennis Gates at the University of Missouri, has accepted a new position on the coaching staff of the University of Memphis under head coach Anfernee 'Penny' Hardaway.

Why it matters

Wright's departure represents a loss of coaching talent for the Missouri Tigers, who are coming off a successful season under Gates. Meanwhile, the Memphis Tigers are bolstering their coaching staff as they look to build on their own recent successes under Hardaway.

The details

After spending the past season as an assistant coach for the University of Missouri under head coach Dennis Gates, Steve Wright has accepted a new role on the coaching staff of the University of Memphis. Wright will now serve as an assistant under head coach Anfernee 'Penny' Hardaway.

  • Wright's departure from Missouri was announced on April 19, 2026.

The players

Steve Wright

A former assistant coach for the University of Missouri men's basketball team under head coach Dennis Gates.

Dennis Gates

The head coach of the University of Missouri men's basketball team.

Anfernee 'Penny' Hardaway

The head coach of the University of Memphis men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to welcome Steve to our coaching staff. His experience and expertise will be a valuable addition as we continue to build our program.”

— Anfernee 'Penny' Hardaway, Head Coach, University of Memphis

What’s next

The University of Memphis has not yet announced any other changes to Penny Hardaway's coaching staff for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

This move represents an opportunity for Steve Wright to join a prominent college basketball program and work under an experienced head coach in Penny Hardaway, while also creating a void on the Missouri coaching staff that Dennis Gates will need to fill.