ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – A former Cornell University coach has died.

On January 13, Temple University Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Bill Courtney passed away unexpectedly.

Courtney led the Big Red men’s team from 2010 to 2016. Courtney was familiar with the Ivy League, having been a standout during his collegiate playing career at Bucknell University. In his six seasons on The Hill, Courtney coached to a 60-113 record.

Courtney departed Ithaca for the 2016-2017 season, reuniting with his former colleague Jim Larranaga at Miami University. The two coached together at George Mason University for a number of years, culminating in the team’s historic NCAA Tournament run in the 2006 season, when the Patriots became the first 11-seed to advance to the Final Four.

Courtney also coached at American, Bowling Green, Providence, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and DePaul during his career. He joined Temple in the summer of 2025.

Temple Head Coach Adam Fisher, who calls Courtney one of the most respected coaches in the country, says he was shocked and heartbroken at the news of his passing. Fisher adds Courtney made a big impact on the Owls program in a short time.

Survived by his wife, Gina, and sons Billy and Derek, Courtney was just 55 years old.

According to Temple University, information about memorial arrangements will be shared as it becomes available.