Memphis basketball strength coach Darby Rich leaves Tigers for Texas

Memphis basketball strength and conditioning coach Darby Rich is leaving Penny Hardaway’s program to take the same role at Texas, a source confirms to Bluff City Media.

The Alabama graduate was originally hired by Hardaway prior to the 2019 campaign, and left Memphis after two seasons to take the same job at Texas Tech. He then returned to the Tigers last season after two years in Lubbock, Texas.

Rich has also undergone stints at South Carolina (2002-2004), Oklahoma (2004-2009) and Texas A&M (2011-2019) throughout his college coaching career.

Rich’s departure is far from the only shakeup on Hardaway’s coaching staff this offseason. The seventh-year coach has brought in former Indiana coach Mike Davis as a consultant. Tigers legend Andre Turner has also joined the staff, though his role has yet to be determined.

Two-year assistant Andy Borman officially parted ways with Memphis last month. Hardaway is currently eyeing former Duke and Louisville assistant Nolan Smith for the same role and former DePaul assistant Tony Harvey for a general manager-type position, according to a source. Jermaine Johnson, who returned to the program in February, is also expected to be an assistant coach next season.

Last year’s assistants Rick Stansbury, Jamie Rosser and Faragi Phillips remain with the program, though Phillips will be in a lesser role.