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Timothy Fitzpatrick Floyd[1] (born February 25, 1954) is a former American college basketball coach, most recently the head coach at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). He was formerly the head coach of several teams in the NCAA and the NBA. Floyd is also known as the coach of the Chicago Bulls for four seasons. He announced his retirement from coaching after the UTEP game on November 27, 2017.[2]

Key Information

Personal life

[edit]

Born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Floyd is a 1977 graduate of Louisiana Tech University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health and physical education. He originally was a walk-on player at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, but he transferred to Louisiana Tech in Ruston and was a scholarship player there. His father, who was also a coach, died when Floyd was 18.

Floyd and wife Beverly have one daughter, Shannon. Shannon married Chicago Bears player Hunter Hillenmeyer in 2008.[3]

In November 2009, a video surfaced on YouTube depicting Floyd breaking up a fight in the food court of a casino in Palm Desert, California. Floyd confirmed the video's accuracy, telling ESPN.com that "I was leaving and then this thing happened in the food court", referring to the fight.[4]

Coaching career

[edit]

University of Texas at El Paso

[edit]

Floyd's first coaching job was as an assistant at UTEP under Hall of Famer Don Haskins from 1977 to 1986. While Floyd was at UTEP, the Miners went to three straight NCAA Tournaments (from 1984 to 1986). They also went to the NIT three times (1980, 1981, 1983) and won four Western Athletic Conference championships in those years.

University of Idaho

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Floyd's first assignment as a head coach came at the University of Idaho in Moscow; hired in March 1986,[5][6] he succeeded Bill Trumbo, who finished last in the Big Sky conference in each of his three seasons.[7][8] Floyd coached the Vandals for two years;[9][10] in his first season, the Vandals posted their first winning record since alumnus Don Monson left for Oregon after the 20–9 1983 season. The next season, they were the regular season runner-up, their best result since 1982. (After Floyd's 1988 departure, assistant Kermit Davis was promoted to head coach and Idaho won the conference title in 1989 and 1990.)

University of New Orleans

[edit]

At the University of New Orleans, Floyd tallied a 127–58 (.686) mark in six seasons as head coach. During his tenure, the Privateers advanced to postseason play five times, including two NCAA Tournament appearances in 1991 and 1993 and the NIT three times. At UNO, Floyd averaged 21 wins a season; he is one of only four Division I coaches who have won four conference championships in the first five years at their school. In his final season at New Orleans in 1994, the team finished 20–10. Floyd reached the 20-win plateau for the sixth time in eight seasons, and UNO made its seventh postseason appearance in eight years.

Iowa State University

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Floyd was hired at Iowa State University in May 1994 as the 15th basketball coach in ISU history. In his four years at ISU, Floyd posted an 81–49 (.623) record. He is one of two coaches in Iowa State history to post three consecutive 20-win seasons along with his former player and former ISU basketball coach Fred Hoiberg. He also led the team to three straight appearances in the NCAA Tournament and three straight first-round victories.

In his first season with the Cyclones, Floyd guided the team to a then-school-record 23 victories and the second round of the NCAA tournament. During that season, the Cyclones were ranked in the AP Top 25 poll for 11 consecutive weeks, peaking at number eleven. Four of the eleven ISU losses were to 1995 NCAA Final Four teams. The Cyclones returned to the Big Eight Conference tournament championship for the first time since 1986. In addition, during the 1995 season, Fred Hoiberg became the first Cyclone to earn All-American honors since Jeff Grayer in 1988.

Picked in preseason polls to finish last in the Big Eight, the 1995–96 Cyclones finished second in the league with a 9–5 mark and won the Big Eight Conference tournament with a win over the Kansas Jayhawks, then ranked the number five team in the nation. The Cyclones received the highest NCAA Tournament seed in school history up to that time. As the number five seed, the Cyclones defeated the California Bears but lost to the Utah Utes, then coached by Rick Majerus (who, in 2004, accepted and immediately resigned from the USC head coaching job that later went to Floyd). Iowa State's 24 victories that season was a school record. For his coaching efforts, Floyd was named Big Eight Coach of the Year and runner-up to Gene Keady of Purdue University for AP National Coach of the Year.

In the 1996–1997 season, with high expectations and a national ranking as high as number four, Floyd and the Cyclones posted a 22–9 mark and advanced to their first NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearance in 11 years. In the NCAA Tournament, the sixth-seeded Cyclones defeated the Illinois State Redbirds in the first round and the Cincinnati Bearcats before losing to the UCLA Bruins in overtime in a game they led by double digits most of the game.

Floyd was also responsible for landing would-be recruits, including Nick Collison and Kirk Hinrich, who would later withdraw their verbal commitments upon Floyd's departure from Iowa State.

While at Iowa State, Floyd coached future pros Dedric Willoughby, Fred Hoiberg, Kelvin Cato, Marcus Fizer and Paul Shirley.

Chicago Bulls

[edit]

In 1998, Floyd was hired as the head coach of the NBA Chicago Bulls on July 23, replacing Phil Jackson. That offseason, the players of the Bulls championship teams retired or left, leaving the equivalent of an expansion team. During the lockout season of 1998–1999, the Bulls went 13–37 (.260), and were 17–65 (.207) the next season. The team continued to lose, posting a 15–67 (.183) record in the 2000–01 season. His fourth year as coach was marred by fights with players and management; after a 4–21 start, Floyd resigned on December 24, 2001.

In his four seasons with the Bulls, Floyd posted a record of 49–190 (.205). The team did not make the NBA playoffs in any of those seasons. Known as a favorite of Jerry Krause by the Chicago media, Floyd proclaimed at a July 1998 press conference introducing him to reporters, "Don't call me Jerry's boy."[11][12]

New Orleans Hornets

[edit]

As head coach of the New Orleans Hornets in 2003–04, Floyd posted a 41–41 record, despite the mid-season loss of Hornets star Jamal Mashburn. The Hornets lost in the first round of the playoffs, taking the Miami Heat the full seven games. Ownership was dissatisfied and dismissed Floyd after just one season.

Floyd ended his NBA career with a 93–235 (.284) record, including the playoffs, admitting in interviews that, as an NBA coach, "I wasn't very good at it". It was announced on November 12, 2009, that Floyd would be rejoining the Hornets as a top assistant to head coach and General Manager Jeff Bower.[13]

University of Southern California

[edit]

On January 14, 2005, Floyd was hired as head coach of the USC Trojans, he succeeded interim coach Jim Saia, who filled in after the school fired Henry Bibby.[14] USC had originally hired Rick Majerus on December 15, 2004, however he unexpectedly resigned five days later.[15][16] Floyd was the Trojans' immediate next choice.[14][17]

Floyd's initial season may be regarded as a success. The 2005–06 Trojans finished the regular season with a 17–12 (8–10) record and sixth place in the Pac-10, including three conference losses by a combined nine points. Floyd was the subject of heightened media attention in October 2006, when 14-year-old high school freshman Dwayne Polee Jr., son of former NBA player Dwayne Polee, verbally accepted a scholarship offer from Floyd. Polee Jr. had yet to play in a high school basketball game.

For the 2006–2007 season, Floyd led the Trojans to a 25–12 (13–8) record (most wins in school history) and third place in the Pac-10. He also led this team to finals of the Pacific Life Pac-10 Tournament, where they lost to Oregon. Floyd took the Trojans to the 2007 NCAA tournament's Sweet 16, only the second USC team to do so since 1979. However, USC lost to number one seeded UNC on March 23, 2007.

In the 2008 NCAA Tournament, the #6 seeded Trojans fell 80–67 to the #11 seed Kansas State Wildcats in the first round.

Floyd's Trojans won the 2009 Pac-10 Tournament by defeating Arizona State, then made it to the second round of the 2009 NCAA tournament, losing to eventual runner-up Michigan State. This marked the first time the Trojans had made a third consecutive NCAA tournament. After USC's exit from the tournament, Floyd was offered the vacant coaching position at Arizona but turned it down.[18]

USC scandal and resignation

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Main article: University of Southern California athletics scandal

The off-season immediately following the 2009 tournament proved to be tumultuous for Floyd and the USC program: Key starters DeMar DeRozan, Taj Gibson and Daniel Hackett all declared for the NBA draft on the same day.[19] Floyd was accused of providing improper benefits by handing cash to Los Angeles event promoter Rodney Guillory, one of the handlers for O. J. Mayo, to influence the then-high school star to choose USC, resulting in an NCAA investigation.[18] The NCAA's 2010 infractions report for USC concluded that Floyd and other USC staffers knew about "two separate NCAA violations, one involving [Mayo] and one where [Guillory] was found to be a runner for an agent" but failed to take due diligence in Mayo's recruitment, thus a lack of institutional control on their part.[20]

Due to the NCAA investigation and academic issues, several key recruits decommitted or chose different universities. After Marcus Johnson, who played only 16 games for USC, averaging 3.6 points, opted to turn professional, Floyd lamented to a gathering of boosters: "Kansas has two players who would have been NBA lottery picks, Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins, and they are returning to school. Good for them. Our guys get an offer from Islamabad and they're gone."[19]

Claiming to have lost enthusiasm for his job, Floyd resigned as the head coach of USC on June 9, 2009.[18] Floyd first notified a paper in his home state of Mississippi; his resignation was accepted by USC, which was faced with looking for a replacement late in the off-season.[21] Following an internal investigation, USC vacated its 21 wins from the 2007–08 season and withdrew from postseason consideration (including the Pac-10 tournament) for the 2009–10 season.[22]

Return to University of Texas at El Paso

[edit]

On March 30, 2010, UTEP announced the hiring of Floyd. Floyd replaced Tony Barbee who left to take a head coach job at Auburn.[23] Following a loss to Lamar on November 27, 2017, that saw the Miners drop to 1–5 on the season, Floyd announced that he was retiring effective immediately.[24][25] The school had previously announced a new athletic director, Jim Senter, a week prior, but Floyd said that had nothing to do with his decision.[26][27] Assistant Phil Johnson was named interim head coach of the Miners the next day.[28] Floyd led the Miners to three 20-win seasons, but no NCAA Tournament appearances.

Controversies

[edit]

O. J. Mayo

[edit]

"Tim Floyd, who brought respectability on the court and controversy off it to the Southern California basketball program, resigned Tuesday. Floyd stepped down a month after a published report that he gave $1,000 in cash to the man who acted as a go-between when star player O.J Mayo decided to attend USC and play his freshman season at the school."[29]

USC's Andy Enfield

[edit]

In 2013, a feud developed between Floyd and USC coach Andy Enfield. The dispute started over a top-flight prospect reneging on his letter-of-intent to UTEP, followed by disparaging comments Enfield made about Floyd and El Paso in a magazine article. The two had "heated words" at a November 2013 reception in the Bahamas.[30]

Head coaching record

[edit]

College

[edit]
Statistics overview
Season Team Overall Conference Standing Postseason
Idaho Vandals (Big Sky Conference) (1986–1988)
1986–87 Idaho 16–14 6–10 6th
1987–88 Idaho 19–11 11–6 2nd
Idaho: 35–25 (.583) 17–16 (.515)
New Orleans Privateers (American South Conference) (1988–1991)
1988–89 New Orleans 19–11 7–3 1st NIT first round
1989–90 New Orleans 21–11 8–2 T–1st NIT quarterfinal
1990–91 New Orleans 23–8 9–3 T–1st NCAA Division I first round
New Orleans Privateers (Sun Belt Conference) (1991–1994)
1991–92 New Orleans 17–15 8–8 7th
1992–93 New Orleans 26–4 18–0 1st NCAA Division I first round
1993–94 New Orleans 20–10 12–6 3rd NIT second round
New Orleans: 126–59 (.681) 62–22 (.738)
Iowa State Cyclones (Big Eight Conference) (1994–1996)
1994–95 Iowa State 23–11 6–8 5th NCAA Division I second round
1995–96 Iowa State 24–9 9–5 2nd NCAA Division I second round
Iowa State Cyclones (Big 12 Conference) (1996–1998)
1996–97 Iowa State 22–9 10–6 3rd NCAA Division I Sweet 16
1997–98 Iowa State 12–18 5–11 11th
Iowa State: 81–47 (.633) 30–30 (.500)
USC Trojans (Pacific-10 Conference) (2005–2009)
2005–06 USC 17–12 8–10 6th
2006–07 USC 25–12 11–7 T–3rd NCAA Division I Sweet 16
2007–08 USC 21–12* 11–7* T–3rd NCAA Division I first round*
2008–09 USC 22–13 9–9 T–5th NCAA Division I second round
USC: 85–50** (.630) 38–33** (.535)
UTEP Miners (Conference USA) (2010–2017)
2010–11 UTEP 25–10 11–5 T–2nd NIT first round
2011–12 UTEP 15–17 7–9 8th
2012–13 UTEP 18–14 10–6 3rd
2013–14 UTEP 23–11 12–4 5th CBI first round
2014–15 UTEP 22–11 13–5 T–2nd NIT first round
2015–16 UTEP 19–14 10–8 6th
2016–17 UTEP 15–17 12–6 T–3rd
2017–18 UTEP 1–5 0–0
UTEP: 138–99 (.582) 75–41 (.647)
Total: 444–282** (.612)

      National champion         Postseason invitational champion  
      Conference regular season champion         Conference regular season and conference tournament champion
      Division regular season champion       Division regular season and conference tournament champion
      Conference tournament champion

* USC vacated all 21 of its wins for 2007–08 after O. J. Mayo was ruled ineligible. Official record is 0–12 (0–7 Pac–10). ** Record does not include vacated wins at USC.

NBA

[edit]
Legend
Regular season G Games coached W Games won L Games lost W–L % Win–loss %
Playoffs PG Playoff games PW Playoff wins PL Playoff losses PW–L % Playoff win–loss %
Team Year G W L W–L% Finish PG PW PL PW–L% Result
Chicago 1998–99 50 13 37 .260 8th in Central — — — — Missed Playoffs
Chicago 1999–2000 82 17 65 .207 8th in Central — — — — Missed Playoffs
Chicago 2000–01 82 15 67 .183 8th in Central — — — — Missed Playoffs
Chicago 2001–02 25 4 21 .160 (resigned) — — — — —
New Orleans 2003–04 82 41 41 .500 3rd in Central 7 3 4 .429 Lost in first round
Career 321 90 231 .280 7 3 4 .429

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tim Floyd

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Tim Floyd (born February 25, 1954, in ) is a retired American coach renowned for his extensive career in both and professional , where he amassed over 500 wins across multiple institutions and teams. His coaching journey highlights include leading programs to national prominence, navigating challenging NBA rebuilds, and developing players who reached the highest levels of the sport, culminating in his abrupt retirement in 2017 after 40 years in the profession. Floyd's early career began after a brief playing stint at the , where he appeared in three games, followed by earning a degree from in 1977. He started coaching as a student assistant at that same year before joining the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) as a full-time assistant under Hall of Fame coach from 1977 to 1986. This period laid the foundation for his head coaching success, as he transitioned to leading the from 1986 to 1988, posting a 35-25 record. Floyd achieved his greatest college success at the (UNO) from 1988 to 1994, where he compiled a 126-59 record (.681 winning percentage), secured four conference regular-season titles, and guided the Privateers to five postseason appearances, including two NCAA Tournaments and a No. 13 national ranking in 1992-93. He followed this with a four-year stint at (1994-1998), earning an 81-47 record, three NCAA Tournament berths, and a peak No. 4 ranking, highlighted by a 1996 Big Eight Tournament championship upset over . Later college roles included head coach at USC (2005-2009) with an 85-50 record and three NCAA appearances, and a return to UTEP (2010–2018) where he recorded a 138–99 mark over eight seasons (seven full and one partial) before retiring. In the NBA, Floyd faced post-Michael Jordan challenges as head coach of the from 1998 to 2002, enduring a 49-190 record amid roster instability, though he helped develop young talents like . He then coached the New Orleans Hornets (2003-2004) to a 41-41 record, earning a playoff spot as the third seed in the Western Conference with a 3-4 postseason showing. Floyd's overall college coaching record stands at 465-280 (.624), and he has been honored with inductions into the Louisiana Basketball Hall of Fame (2014), Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame (2020), and UNO Athletics Hall of Fame (2023).

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Tim Floyd was born on February 25, 1954, in . His father, Lee Floyd, was a prominent basketball coach who led the University of Southern 's program and passed away at age 52 when Tim was 20. Floyd's mother, Alice Floyd, outlived her husband and remained connected to the family in Hattiesburg. He grew up in a coaching dynasty, with his grandfather, uncles, great-uncles, and even great-grandfather having served as coaches, fostering an early immersion in culture in Mississippi. Floyd has two older sisters, Carolee Russ and Sally Logan, both of whom were part of the close-knit family environment shaped by their parents' involvement in athletics. Floyd married Beverly Byrnside, and the couple has one daughter, Shannon Floyd. Shannon wed former linebacker on June 28, 2008, at The Village Chapel in . The marriage connected the Floyd family to beyond , as Hillenmeyer played in the from 2003 to 2010.

College years and playing career

Tim Floyd began his college basketball journey as a walk-on player at the (USM) in Hattiesburg, where his father, Lee Floyd, served as head coach. During his two years there from 1972 to 1974, he appeared in just three games, averaging 1.0 point and 0.7 rebounds per game while shooting 50% from the field. Seeking greater opportunities, Floyd transferred to in , where he earned a scholarship and played one season for the Bulldogs in 1974–75 under coach Emmett Hendricks. At Louisiana Tech, Floyd pursued a degree in health and , graduating with a in 1977. His time at the university not only provided academic grounding but also immersed him in a basketball program known for its competitive intensity, fostering early insights into and player development. Family support played a key role in sustaining his focus during these years, with his upbringing in a coaching household encouraging perseverance in both athletics and . Post-graduation, Floyd's initial foray into coaching began immediately at his , Louisiana Tech, where he served as a student assistant under Hendricks in 1977. This role exposed him to foundational coaching principles, including strategic preparation and mentorship of young athletes, directly influenced by Hendricks' emphasis on disciplined fundamentals. The connections forged at Louisiana Tech—through faculty, peers, and the program's culture—profoundly shaped Floyd's coaching philosophy, prioritizing player relationships, rigorous training, and adaptive tactics that would define his later career. His father's legacy as a successful USM coach further reinforced these values, instilling a deep appreciation for and resilience in competitive environments.

Coaching career

Assistant roles and early head coaching at Idaho and New Orleans

Tim Floyd began his professional coaching career as an assistant coach at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) under Hall of Famer Don Haskins from 1977 to 1986. During this period, the Miners achieved significant success, including three NCAA Tournament appearances in 1984, 1985, and 1986, as well as four Western Athletic Conference (WAC) titles. Floyd contributed to the program's defensive strategies and player development, helping UTEP maintain a competitive edge in the WAC. In 1986, Floyd transitioned to his first head coaching role at the University of Idaho, where he compiled a 35-25 record over two seasons from 1986 to 1988. His arrival marked a turnaround for the Vandals, who had endured three consecutive losing seasons under predecessor Bill Trumbo, including records of 9-19 in 1983-84 and 8-22 in 1984-85. In his debut year (1986-87), Idaho posted a 16-14 mark, achieving the program's first winning season since 1983 and its best Big Sky Conference finish in six years. Floyd focused on improved recruiting, bringing in key talents like forward Jeff Reinhold, and implemented tactical enhancements in perimeter defense and transition play to elevate the team's performance. Floyd moved to the (UNO) in 1988, serving as until 1994 and amassing a 126-59 record. Under his leadership, the Privateers made five postseason appearances, including NCAA Tournament berths in 1991 and 1993, along with three (NIT) invitations. The program captured four regular-season conference championships—two in the American South Conference (1989, 1991) and two in the Sun Belt Conference (1992, 1994)—and Floyd earned Coach of the Year honors in 1989 (American South) and 1993 (Sun Belt). His teams excelled in road games and ranked highly in defensive categories, such as field-goal percentage defense, five times during his tenure. Throughout his time at Idaho and UNO, Floyd developed a coaching philosophy centered on efficient offense through structured motion plays and ball movement, paired with intense defensive pressure and rebounding emphasis. This approach, influenced by his experiences under Haskins, prioritized composure under pressure and free-throw proficiency, laying the foundation for his later successes.

Iowa State University

Tim Floyd was appointed head coach of the Iowa State Cyclones men's basketball team in May 1994, succeeding Johnny Orr after a period of inconsistent performance for the program. Over his four seasons from 1994 to 1998, Floyd compiled an overall record of 81-47 (.633 winning percentage), marking a significant turnaround for Iowa State, which had not achieved sustained national contention in recent years. His teams produced three consecutive 20-win seasons in 1994-95 (23-11), 1995-96 (24-9), and 1996-97 (22-9), the first such streak in school history at the time. Floyd led the Cyclones to three NCAA Tournament appearances in 1995, 1996, and 1997, ending a four-year postseason drought and establishing Iowa State as a consistent contender in the (later Big 12). In the 1995 tournament, his debut squad advanced to the second round after defeating as an 11-seed. The 1996-97 team achieved the program's first Sweet Sixteen appearance since 1986, defeating UCLA in the second round before falling to . These successes built on Floyd's prior experience at the , where he had developed a winning culture. In 1996, Floyd was named Big Eight Coach of the Year after guiding Iowa State to the conference tournament championship with a memorable upset victory over and a 24-9 regular-season record. He revitalized the program through aggressive recruiting of talented players, including future NBA contributors like center and guard , while emphasizing defensive discipline and an up-tempo offensive style that increased scoring and fan engagement at . These efforts not only ended Iowa State's long postseason drought but also laid the foundation for continued competitiveness in the late .

Chicago Bulls

Tim Floyd was hired as head coach of the in November 1998, shortly after Michael Jordan's second retirement and the departure of , with general manager citing Floyd's successful tenure at as a key factor in the decision. The Bulls were entering a full-scale rebuild following the dismantling of their six-time championship roster from 1991 to 1998, leaving Floyd to manage a franchise in transition amid high expectations from a fanbase still mourning the dynasty's end. Over his 3½ seasons with the team, from 1998 to 2001, Floyd compiled a 49–190 record, the worst start for any NBA head coach at the time, with no playoff appearances in any season. He inherited a depleted roster featuring holdovers like forward Toni Kukoč, who served as the team's leading scorer and primary offensive option, alongside veterans such as Ron Harper and Bill Wennington. Efforts to inject youth included brief stints with developing talents like guard Corey Benjamin and the integration of high draft picks such as forward Elton Brand (selected 1999) and guard Jamal Crawford (selected 2000), though the lack of overall depth and experience hampered progress. Floyd's tactical approach centered on fostering team defense and player development to compensate for the talent shortages, though the young and inexperienced lineup struggled to implement consistent strategies in a league dominated by established contenders. The 1998–99 season, shortened to 50 games by a labor lockout, exemplified these challenges, as the Bulls finished 13–37 and ranked near the bottom in defensive efficiency. Facing mounting losses and internal tensions, including reported conflicts with players like Ron Artest, Floyd resigned on December 24, 2001, after a 4–21 start to the 2001–02 season, citing the move as best for himself and his family amid intense media and fan scrutiny. Assistant was appointed interim , and Krause praised Floyd's contributions to the rebuilding foundation while affirming the organization's commitment to future contention.

New Orleans Hornets

Tim Floyd was hired as head coach of the New Orleans Hornets in June 2003, following his tenure with the Chicago Bulls, bringing his NBA experience to a franchise coming off a playoff appearance. In his only season with the team during 2003–04, Floyd guided the Hornets to a 41–41 regular-season record, securing fifth place in the Eastern Conference and a berth in the playoffs. This marked the team's second consecutive postseason qualification after relocating from Charlotte, though the record reflected a balance of successes and challenges amid injuries to key contributors. Floyd's offensive scheme emphasized an up-tempo, motion-based system inspired by high-scoring teams like the Nets, promoting run-and-dish plays to leverage the team's athleticism. Central to this approach were star players such as Baron Davis, who earned All-Star honors and averaged 20.7 points and 7.4 assists per game, and forward Jamal Mashburn, contributing 21.8 points per game before his season was cut short by injury. In the playoffs, the Hornets faced the in the first round and pushed the series to seven games, ultimately falling 3–4 after a competitive battle marked by defensive intensity from both sides. Despite the playoff run, Floyd was fired on May 7, 2004, shortly after the series ended, amid reports of ongoing chemistry issues with players and the organization's desire for a fresh direction ahead of realignment to the Western Conference. The decision was influenced by a late-season slump and injuries that hampered team cohesion, leading owner to seek changes despite Floyd's implementation of a more dynamic style.

University of Southern California

Tim Floyd was hired as head coach of the men's team in April 2005, following a stint in the NBA with the . Over his four seasons at USC, Floyd compiled an overall record of 85-50 prior to any vacated wins, marking a significant turnaround for a program that had struggled in prior years. His teams achieved three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances in , , and —the first such streak in school history—which revitalized Trojan and established it as a consistent contender in the Pac-10 Conference. In , USC captured the Pac-10 Tournament championship under Floyd, defeating Arizona State 66-63 in the final to secure an automatic NCAA bid, with standout performances from players like . Floyd's recruiting efforts were pivotal to the program's resurgence, particularly the signing of highly touted prospect O. J. Mayo in 2007, who became a immediate star and elevated the team's competitiveness. Mayo's arrival boosted team morale and performance, contributing to back-to-back 20-win seasons and deeper postseason runs, including a second-round NCAA appearance in 2009. Drawing from his NBA experience, Floyd emphasized professional-level preparation, helping develop players like Mayo and DeRozan for successful transitions to the league. His tenure produced the most wins by any USC coach in a four-year span up to that point, fostering a culture of discipline and high expectations. Floyd resigned abruptly on June 9, 2009, amid an ongoing NCAA investigation into allegations of improper benefits provided to during his recruitment. In his resignation letter, he cited personal reasons but acknowledged the facing the program, which ultimately led to vacated wins from the 2007-08 season. The departure ended a promising era for USC basketball, though it left a legacy of renewed competitiveness before the sanctions took effect.

Return to University of Texas at El Paso

In 2010, Tim Floyd returned to the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) as , marking a to the program where he had previously served as an assistant under from 1977 to 1986. Over seven seasons, Floyd compiled a 138-99 record with the Miners, guiding the team to consistent participation in the tournament, two (NIT) appearances, and no NCAA Tournament berths. His tenure emphasized rebuilding a program with a rich history, including the 1966 national championship, though UTEP had struggled in recent years prior to his arrival. Floyd faced significant recruiting hurdles in the competitive landscape, where powerhouses like Memphis and Louisville drew top talent from the region. Academic eligibility issues plagued several high-profile recruits, such as forward Rashanti Harris in 2010, who failed to qualify and never enrolled, contributing to roster instability. Attrition further compounded these challenges, with key players departing mid-season or via transfers, leading to stretches of underperformance despite Floyd's emphasis on veteran leadership and defensive fundamentals. On November 27, 2017, following a 66-52 loss to Lamar that dropped UTEP to 1-5, Floyd abruptly announced his , citing health concerns including dangerously high unresponsive to medication. The decision ended his 42-year coaching career, during which he reflected on the personal toll of the profession, stating it had been a rewarding but exhausting journey across college and NBA levels. His departure prompted UTEP to promote assistant Phil Johnson as interim for the remainder of the season.

Controversies

O. J. Mayo recruitment scandal

The O. J. Mayo recruitment scandal emerged during Tim Floyd's tenure as at the (USC), centering on violations of (NCAA) rules in the recruitment and enrollment of highly touted prospect for the 2007-08 season. The NCAA investigation, which spanned from 2007 to 2009, uncovered evidence that Mayo received improper benefits, including cash payments, free travel, and connections to sports agents, facilitated by intermediaries such as AAU coach Rodney Guillory, a known "runner" for agencies. These benefits began during Mayo's high school career and continued after he committed to USC, rendering him ineligible under NCAA amateurism standards. Allegations specifically implicated Floyd in providing at least $1,000 in cash to Guillory on February 14, 2007, during a meeting near Beverly Hills, ostensibly to secure Mayo's commitment to USC. Sources, including statements from Louis Johnson, a former associate of Guillory, claimed the payment was intended to maintain favorable relations with Mayo's handlers amid competitive recruiting. While Floyd denied direct knowledge of any broader improprieties, investigators alleged he was aware of suspicious contacts involving Mayo but failed to report them to USC compliance officials, violating NCAA ethical conduct rules on monitoring recruits. The pressure from these revelations culminated in Floyd's abrupt on June 9, 2009, just weeks after the cash payment allegations surfaced publicly, though he maintained his departure was planned and unrelated to the probe. In response to the university's internal investigation confirming the violations during Mayo's lone season, USC self-imposed severe penalties in January 2010, which the NCAA largely accepted in its June 2010 infractions ruling. These included vacating all 21 wins from the 2007-08 season—dropping USC's record to 0-21—along with a one-year postseason ban for the 2009-10 season, reduction of one for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 academic years, fewer off-campus recruiting days (110 instead of 130) in 2010-11, and the return of approximately $112,000 in 2008 NCAA Tournament revenue. The NCAA added a two-year probationary period but imposed no further sanctions on the program, noting USC's cooperation; notably, the committee cleared Floyd of any personal involvement in the benefits provided to Mayo. As part of the resolution, USC was required to disassociate from Mayo and Guillory for a decade, a ban on Mayo that was lifted in 2020. Mayo, who averaged 20.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game as a , was a central figure in USC's on-court success that season before declaring for the . The scandal underscored systemic ethical challenges in recruiting during the mid-2000s "one-and-done" era, where top prospects like Mayo were often entangled with unregulated AAU networks and agent influencers offering illicit perks to sway commitments. It amplified calls for stricter NCAA oversight of high school and AAU circuits, highlighting how such practices eroded amateurism principles and exposed programs to severe repercussions, influencing subsequent discussions on reforming agent involvement and prospect monitoring.

Feud with Andy Enfield

In 2013, following his unsuccessful candidacy for the USC head coaching position, Tim Floyd, then coaching at the University of Texas at El Paso, publicly criticized new USC coach 's hiring amid the lingering effects of the scandal that had tainted the Trojans' program during Floyd's tenure from 2005 to 2009. Floyd, who had resigned from USC in 2009 as the NCAA investigation into improper benefits provided to Mayo intensified, expressed frustration over USC's decision to select Enfield, a rising star from , instead of rehiring him to rebuild the program post-sanctions. The tension escalated when Enfield responded in a November 2013 Men's Journal interview, accusing Floyd of harboring bitterness due to the rejected job application and his current situation in El Paso, stating, "Tim Floyd shows up every day at work and realizes he lives in El Paso, Texas. And he's pissed off that he didn’t get the USC job two months ago." Enfield further suggested Floyd's resentment stemmed from the vacated wins and probationary status left in the wake of the Mayo violations, implying Floyd was unfairly blaming the program's ongoing struggles on others. In response, Floyd dismissed Enfield's remarks as "inappropriate" during a post-game press conference at the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament, defending his legacy at USC and accusing Enfield of lacking class in addressing a predecessor. The dispute reached a on November 27, 2013, at a pre-tournament reception in , where Enfield approached Floyd, leading to a heated verbal altercation that required assistants from both USC and UTEP to intervene and separate them; sources described it as an "ugly incident" fueled by ongoing accusations of recruiting tampering involving UTEP signee Hamilton, whom Floyd believed USC had improperly influenced before Hamilton ultimately chose UCLA. Media outlets, including , , and the , extensively covered the , portraying it as a symptom of unresolved resentment from USC's scandal-plagued past and the competitive pressures of recruiting. Fan reactions were mixed, with some USC supporters viewing Floyd's outbursts as sour grapes from a coach tied to the Mayo-era downfall, while others criticized Enfield for airing personal grievances publicly, further complicating the Trojans' efforts to restore their basketball reputation. No formal resolution emerged beyond public apologies, with Enfield expressing regret to USC fans on November 28, 2013, stating, "I regret that the situation happened and I apologize to the USC fans, but this is about the players. We're moving on," while Floyd declared the matter "over" the following day, emphasizing a focus on his team's performance. The episode underscored broader tensions in college coaching circles, where past scandals like the Mayo case continue to influence hiring decisions and interpersonal rivalries, often amplified by media scrutiny and the high stakes of program legacies.

Coaching records and honors

Head coaching records

Tim Floyd's head coaching career in resulted in an overall record of 465–280 (.624) across 24 seasons. Note that this unadjusted figure includes 21 vacated wins from USC's 2007–08 season due to the scandal; the official adjusted record is 444–280 (.612). In the NBA, he recorded 90–231 (.280) in regular-season games over four seasons, with an additional 3–4 in the playoffs.

College Breakdowns

University of Idaho (1986–1988)

Floyd's initial head coaching stint at Idaho produced a 35–25 record, with no postseason appearances.
SeasonOverall RecordConferenceConference StandingPostseason
1986–8716–14Big Sky2ndNone
1987–8819–11Big SkyT–1stNone
Total35–25

University of New Orleans (1988–1994)

At New Orleans, Floyd achieved a 126–59 record, leading the Privateers to two NCAA Tournament appearances and multiple conference regular-season titles in the American South Conference and Sun Belt Conference.
SeasonOverall RecordConferenceConference StandingPostseason
1988–8919–11ASC1stNone
1989–9021–11ASC1stConference Tournament Champion
1990–9123–8ASC1stNCAA First Round
1991–9217–15Sun Belt4thNone
1992–9326–4Sun Belt1stNCAA Second Round
1993–9420–10Sun BeltT–2ndNone
Total126–59

Iowa State University (1994–1998)

Floyd posted an 81–47 record at Iowa State, guiding the Cyclones to three consecutive 20-win seasons and three NCAA Tournament berths, including a Big Eight Conference Tournament championship in 1996.
SeasonOverall RecordConferenceConference StandingPostseason
1994–9523–11Big 85thNCAA Second Round
1995–9624–9Big 82ndBig 8 Tournament Champion; NCAA Second Round
1996–9722–9Big 12T–3rdNCAA First Round
1997–9812–18Big 128thNone
Total81–47

University of Southern California (2005–2009)

Floyd's USC tenure yielded an unadjusted 85–50 record, with two NCAA Tournament appearances and a Pac-10 Tournament title in 2009. All 21 wins from 2007–08 were vacated due to the scandal, resulting in an official record of 0–12 for that year and adjusted total of 64–50.
SeasonOverall RecordConferenceConference StandingPostseason
2005–0617–13Pac-106thNone
2006–0725–12Pac-10T–2ndNCAA First Round
2007–080–12*Pac-10T–8thNone (vacated NCAA appearance)
2008–0922–13Pac-10T–2ndPac-10 Tournament Champion; NCAA Second Round
Total64–50
*Vacated 21 wins; official 0–12 (0–7 Pac-10). Unadjusted: 85–50.

University of Texas at El Paso (2010–2018)

Returning to UTEP, Floyd recorded a 138–99 mark over eight seasons, though his teams did not reach the NCAA Tournament. He resigned mid-season in 2017–18.
SeasonOverall RecordConferenceConference StandingPostseason
2010–1125–10C-USA2ndNone
2011–1215–17C-USA10thNone
2012–1318–14C-USA7thNone
2013–1423–11C-USA3rdNone
2014–1522–11C-USAT–2ndNone
2015–1619–14C-USA7thNone
2016–1715–17C-USA11thNone
2017–181–5C-USAN/ANone
Total138–99

NBA Breakdowns

Chicago Bulls (1998–2002)

Floyd coached the Bulls for parts of four seasons, posting a 49–190 regular-season record amid the team's post-Jordan rebuild, with no playoff appearances.
SeasonRegular Season RecordFinishPostseason
1998–9913–375th (Eastern)None
1999–0017–658th (Eastern)None
2000–0115–678th (Eastern)None
2001–024–21(resigned)None
Total49–190

New Orleans Hornets (2003–2004)

In his lone full season with the Hornets, Floyd led the team to a 41–41 record and a playoff berth, where they advanced to the first round before losing to the 4–3.
SeasonRegular Season RecordFinishPostseason
2003–0441–414th (Central)Lost First Round (3–4)
Total41–413–4

Awards and hall of fame inductions

Tim Floyd earned several Coach of the Year honors during his tenure. In 1989, he was named American South Conference Coach of the Year after leading the to the regular-season title. In 1993, Floyd received Coach of the Year recognition for guiding New Orleans to an undefeated 18-0 conference record and the regular-season championship. At Iowa State in 1996, he was honored as Coach of the Year following a school-record 24 wins and the conference tournament title. Floyd's teams secured multiple conference championships across his career. At New Orleans, he won four regular-season titles—three in the American South Conference (1988–1991) and one in the Sun Belt (1993)—along with the 1990 American South Tournament championship, achievements that contributed to two NCAA Tournament bids and three NIT appearances. He added the 1996 Big Eight Tournament title at Iowa State and the 2009 Pac-10 Tournament championship at USC, where his Trojans advanced to the NCAA second round that year. These successes underpinned 13 seasons with at least 20 wins. Floyd has been inducted into several halls of fame recognizing his contributions to basketball. In 2014, he was enshrined in the Louisiana Basketball Hall of Fame for his transformative impact at New Orleans, where he compiled a 126-59 record. He entered the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in 2020, honoring his role in elevating local during the late and early . In 2023, Floyd was inducted into the New Orleans Athletics Hall of Fame, where his 126 wins rank third in school history, and he was celebrated for producing four 20-win seasons and multiple postseason trips. Additionally, he joined the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011 for leading the Cyclones to three NCAA Tournament appearances in four years.

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