Bill Courtney, Temple Assistant Basketball Coach, Passes Away
Bill Courtney, an assistant coach for the men’s basketball team at Temple University, has passed away unexpectedly at the age of 55. Courtney previously played a pivotal role in Miami’s journey to the Final Four just three seasons ago.
Temple University reported his death on Tuesday, describing it as “sudden.”
Adam Fisher, the head coach at Temple, expressed his shock and sorrow regarding Courtney’s passing. In a statement, he shared, “I am heartbroken by the tragic news and loss of my dear friend Bill Courtney. He made a significant impact on our program in a remarkably short time. Bill was one of the most respected coaches in the country—thoughtful, prepared, and incredibly dedicated to both the game and winning the right way. His influence elevated every program he was part of. His absence will be deeply felt by everyone who knew him, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this challenging period.”
Courtney had a long coaching career, including a stint as the head coach at Cornell University. He joined Temple’s staff in June 2025, bringing over 30 years of experience in college coaching. This included five years at the University of Miami, where he was instrumental in their Final Four run in 2023 alongside coach Jim Larranaga.
Arthur Johnson, Temple’s Athletics Director, also voiced his sadness about Courtney’s sudden passing. He stated, “In the brief time he has been a part of the Temple family, we have seen the joy he brought to our program, both on and off the court. He will be missed by his family, the Temple Basketball family, and the broader basketball community.”
After Larranaga’s retirement due to fatigue from the shifts in college sports, Courtney stepped in as Miami’s interim head coach for the last 19 games of the previous season. At the time, the team was facing a challenging season with a record of 4-8 and concluded with a total of 7-24.
A native of Alexandria, Virginia, Courtney played college basketball at Bucknell University, where he achieved All-Patriot League honors and was inducted into the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame. He ranks among Bucknell’s all-time leaders in both scoring and assists.
