Louisville on Thursday officially named former Charleston coach its head men’s basketball coach, signing him to a five-year contract.
The news was first reported Wednesday that Kelsey would be succeeding Kenny Payne, who was fired earlier this month after posting a dismal 12-52 record in two seasons, the worst in major college basketball during that time.
Louisville at first target Baylor coach Scott Drew, but he opted to remain at the Big 12 school, and then FAU coach Dusty May, who took the Michigan job. Louisville also spoke with Indiana State coach Josh Schertz and was linked to New Mexico’s Richard Pitino and Seton Hall’ Shaheen Holloway.
Kelsey, 48, was formally introduced at a press conference Thursday afternoon. A native of Cincinnati who is known as a hard-working and intense coach, has four NCAA appearances in 12 seasons at Winthrop and Charleston. His Charleston team went 27-8 this season, winning the CAA conference tournament and making the NCAA Tournament.
“I am humbled and honored to be named the head coach at the University of Louisville,” Kelsey said in a statement. “I would like to thank Josh Heird, President Schatzel, the Board of Trustees and ULAA Board, former UofL players and all of Card Nation for entrusting me to lead one of the great programs in all of college basketball. Coaching giants that I have tremendous respect and reverence for led Cardinal basketball to national prominence during their era. It is my charge to help this great program return to its rightful place as one of college basketball’s best.”
Kelsey reportedly had a $1 million buyout at Charleston.
Louisville also owes Payne $8 million as part of a buyout agreement, and is paying former coach Chris Mack monthly increments of $133,333.33 until Jan. 31, 2025, per the Louisville Courier-Journal.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Pat Kelsey as our new men’s basketball coach,” AD Josh Heird said. “Pat has proven his ability to build multiple programs to an elite level. He garners great respect as a coach, manager, communicator and motivator who will build strong bonds with his student-athletes, coaches and our fan base. Pat understands the expectations of this storied program and will attack this opportunity with unmatched enthusiasm and work ethic. We’re looking forward to having him, his wife Lisa and their children become part of the best community in college athletics.”
Kelsey has been a dominant winner across his 12 seasons as a head coach, including the last three at College of Charleston and the previous nine at Winthrop. He boasts an impressive 261-122 record (68.1%) across his head coaching career with 11 total conference championships and four NCAA Tournament bids.
The Cincinnati native Kelsey will be the 24th head coach in Louisville’s 110-year history, and the 10th in the past 79 years.
