Penny Hardaway is arguably the most legendary figure to ever wear the Memphis blue. But according to reports, the former NBA All-Star could be on the hot seat when it comes to coaching at his alma mater.
After posting 20+ wins in each of his first seven seasons with the Tigers', Memphis is 12-16 with just three games to go and fresh off of a loss to Wichita State.
However as ESPN's Jeff Borzello reports, Penny's prior success may not be enough to save his job in the eyes of the administration.
COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 17: Head coach Penny Hardaway of the Memphis Tigers looks on during the first half of a game against the Florida Atlantic Owls in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 17, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) Dylan Buell/Getty Images
Penny Hardaway's Memphis future reportedly in question
The Tigers signed Hardaway to a six-year extension back in 2022 with the thought that he'd be Memphis' coach for the long term. Per Borzello though, it's Penny decides to walk away even if he doesn't get fired.
"Penny Hardaway appeared to have Memphis on the right track after last season's 29-win season and 5-seed in the NCAA tournament - the Tigers' third tourney trip in four years," Borzello wrote Tuesday. "But things have fallen apart this season. Hardaway had won at least 20 games in each of his previous seven seasons in charge, but the Tigers dropped to 12-15 overall after their third straight double-digit loss Sunday."
"He was very emotional in his postgame news conference after an earlier loss, at times fighting back tears," the college hoops insider added. "Whether athletic director Ed Scott wants to fire a program legend 12 months after earning a 5-seed remains to be seen - as does whether Hardaway wants to step away on his own. He signed a six-year contract extension in 2022 that runs through the 2027-28 season."
Penny following Wichita St. loss: 'We didn't seize the moment'
Taking the podium after another tough loss at the hands of the Shockers, a disheartened Penny Hardaway was pretty upfront about what transpired.
"We just didn't seize the moment. … It sucks, man," Hardaway said, via The Daily Memphian. "My message to the team is that we've gotta find a way to just get one - and then take that momentum into the [American Conference] Tournament."
It's been a tough stretch for the Tigers but it could get even tougher if Penny isn't on the sideline. We'll see where the school goes from here if the program can't win out and make some noise in the AAC Tournament.
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