The college basketball community is mourning the loss of Bill Courtney, a respected veteran coach and current Temple University assistant, who passed away on 13 January 2026.
Temple University described his death as a “sudden passing”. Though a specific cause of death has not yet been released, the coach is set to have passed away at the age of 55.
Courtney had over 30 years of coaching experience when he joined the Owls staff in June 2025. His career was marked by deep relationships and success at some of the nation’s most prominent programmes.
Head coach Adam Fisher described him as a “close friend” who made a profound impact on the programme through his preparation and commitment. The late coach spent only a year at Philadelphia Temple University (2025–2026).
During his stay at the University of Miami, he played a vital role as part of Jim Larrañaga’s staff, helping lead the Hurricanes to the 2023 Final Four. He also served as an interim coach for 19 games in the 2024-2025 season.
He also served as the head coach of the Big Red at Cornell University (2010–2016) for six seasons, leading them through the competitive Ivy League.
Bill Courtney also served as an assistant coach during the Patriots’ legendary and historic 2006 Final Four run.
Following the news of his dismissal, tributes have begun to pour in, with many highlighting Courtney’s character as much as his coaching acumen.
“Bill made every programme he touched better, and his loss is felt profoundly by everyone who knew him. He was one of the most respected coaches in the country—thoughtful, prepared and deeply committed to the game.” — Adam Fisher, Temple Head Coach
“In the short time that he has been part of the Temple family, I saw the impact that he had on our programme with the joy that exuded from him on and off the court.” — Arthur Johnson, Temple Athletic Director
