USF Athletics

Kelly was USF’s athletic director for seven years. Now, as he departs, he discusses the growth of the athletic program and other topics.

Kelly stabilized and strengthened USF’s athletic department, exponentially growing fundraising while leading the push to finally get shovels in the ground for a long-sought on-campus stadium.

The two head coaches left different but enduring legacies at the school. The hall’s 11th class also includes football’s Kawika Mitchell, baseball’s Scott Hemond and basketball’s Kitija Laksa.

The University of South Florida Board of Trustees approved spending $348.5 million for the stadium, with plans to expand it in size and possibly go beyond offering just college football.

The cost to build USF's new on-campus football stadium — currently approved for $340 million — might go up.

In a statement, Vice President for Athletics Michael Kelly said he is "eternally grateful" to interim coach Ben Fletcher.

The University of South Florida is introducing women's lacrosse and beach volleyball in 2025 and 2026, respectively.

The Bulls, who finished the regular season at 6-6, will spend part of the holidays 4,200 miles away in Honolulu for the Dec. 24 matchup. ESPN will televise the game, the only bowl played on Christmas Eve.

Minutes before the game tipped off, the public address announced that the men's basketball student section would forever be named the “Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim student section."

USF students, staff and alumni attended alongside elected officials to hear about the new facility and witness the symbolic “turning of soil” signaling the start of construction.

The renderings show a concourse with 360-degree views of the field, along with an illuminated "Bull U" logo in the student section and a grassy area that can be used on non-game days.

Abdur-Rahim, 43, was described as an extraordinary husband, father and coach who made an incredible impact in just one year on the job.