Temple University Honors Late Basketball Coach Bill Courtney
Temple University mourns the loss of Bill Courtney, the assistant men’s basketball coach who passed away unexpectedly. Head coach Adam Fisher expressed his shock and heartbreak, highlighting Courtney’s significant impact on the program within a short span of time. Fisher described him as a respected coach known for his commitment and thoughtful approach to the game.
Bill Courtney’s Career and Contributions
Bill Courtney joined the Temple Owls’ basketball team in June 2025. With over 30 years of collegiate coaching experience, he brought considerable expertise to the position. Before his tenure at Temple, Courtney spent five successful seasons at the University of Miami.
- Helped Miami reach three NCAA Tournament appearances.
- Led the Hurricanes to the Final Four in 2023.
- Served as the interim head coach for 19 games in the 2024-25 season.
Vice President of Athletics, Arthur Johnson, also expressed deep sorrow at Courtney’s passing. Johnson noted the joy Courtney brought to the Temple community, both on and off the court. He emphasized that Courtney would be profoundly missed by his family, the Temple basketball family, and the broader basketball community.
Coaching Legacy
Courtney’s coaching credentials include experience across various programs, where he demonstrated impressive results:
- Participated in nine postseason tournaments.
- Competed in three NCAA Tournaments.
- Coached in four NITs and two CBI appearances.
He held assistant coaching roles at several reputable institutions, such as American, Bowling Green, George Mason, Providence, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and DePaul. Additionally, from 2010 to 2016, Courtney was the head coach at Cornell University.
Personal Life and Background
A native of Alexandria, Virginia, Bill Courtney was a talented collegiate player at Bucknell University. He earned All-Patriot League honors and graduated in 1992 with a degree in education. In recognition of his athletic achievements, he was inducted into the Bucknell Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007 and ranks among the program’s all-time leaders in points and assists.
Details regarding memorial arrangements will be shared with the public once they become available. The loss of Bill Courtney resonates deeply within the Temple University community and the world of basketball.
