Jim Hatfield died at 81 – American basketball coach

Biography and cause of death of Jim Hatfield

Amateur American college basketball coach Jim Hatfield passed away on February 26, 2025, after a long and eventful life. Before leading the Hardin-Simmons Cowboys, he coached the Southwestern Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns and the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Jim Hatfield Personal history

A former Eagle, Hatfield attended East Tennessee State. He became a coach after finishing his collegiate career. Following a collegiate basketball controversy at the University of Southern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette), he was appointed head coach in 1975 after serving as an assistant from 1972 to 1974. He was chosen to coach Mississippi State of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) after compiling a 47-35 record in three seasons. Hatfield coached the Bulldogs for three years before stepping down at the conclusion of the 1980–81 season.

Prior to his return to Kentucky as an assistant, he coached for two seasons at Hardin-Simmons.

At the age of 81, Hatfield passed away on February 26, 2025.