Penny Hardaway to Remain Memphis Head Coach Despite Interest From Magic

Penny Hardaway announced on Instagram Tuesday evening he will return to Memphis despite interviewing for the Magic's head coach vacancy.

Penny Hardaway won't be moving to Orlando.

The University of Memphis head coach announced Tuesday evening via Instagram that he will remain with the program for another season. The news comes days after Hardaway emerged as a serious candidate to be the Magic's next head coach, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania. 

Hardaway, who interviewed with the team last week, was a star in Orlando from 1993 to 1999. In his six seasons there, he was a four-time All-Star, named All-NBA First Team twice and All-NBA Third Team once. 

He played in the NBA for 14 seasons before retiring in 2007. 

Hardaway has coached the Tigers since 2018 and has built a reputation for player development, growing a strong network in the basketball community, according to The Athletic. 

Hardaway, 49, even spent time training former Houston shooting guard Quentin Grimes this offseason. The 2021 NBA draft prospect scored 27 points during a scrimmage at the NBA draft combine. 

The Magic have already interviewed with Spurs assistant Becky Hammon but are expected to interview with Nuggets assistant Wes Unseld Jr. along with three Magic assistants: Tyrone Corbin, Pat Delany and Steve Hetzel. Orlando has also requested permission to interview Suns assistant Willie Green and Bucks assistant Charles Lee, who are both still coaching in their respective conference finals. 

The Magic parted ways with coach Steve Clifford earlier this month after finishing the 2020-21 season 21–51.