College of Charleston’s head coach Pat Kelsey is expected to become the next basketball coach at Louisville, reports suggest. After leading College of Charleston to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, Kelsey is reportedly finalizing a deal that could see him take over as the Cardinals’ new coach either on Wednesday or Thursday. This move comes after Louisville fired Kenny Payne earlier this month following a disappointing season with only eight wins. In just two seasons, Payne compiled a 12-52 overall record, leading to his dismissal.
Over the past three seasons, Kelsey managed an impressive 74-27 overall record at College of Charleston, with a marked 39-15 record in the Coastal Athletic Association. The 2022-23 season was Kelsey’s standout year, where he guided the Cougars to a historic 31-4 record, setting a program record for the most wins at the NCAA Division I level. This successful run included the nation’s longest winning streak at 20 games and a month-long spot in The Associated Press’ Top 25 poll.
Kelsey also recently signed a lucrative five-year contract extension worth $1 million in annual pay running through the 2028 season, making him the highest-paid coach in the CAA. The deal includes bonuses he received this year and a $50,000 pay raise had he remained for the following year. The contract has a $1 million buyout clause in case Kelsey decides to leave Charleston before 2028.
Several key players from the Cougars, including Ante Brzovic, Ben Burnham, Jordan Crawford, Khalil London, and Evan Kilminster, have entered the transfer portal amidst the coaching change. Kelsey’s adaptability to the evolving college sports landscape, embracing elements like the transfer portal and name, image, and likeness, have set him apart.
If Kelsey makes the transition to Louisville, he would be following in the footsteps of Earl Grant, who moved from CofC to Boston College in 2021. Grant’s success at Boston College after seven seasons at College of Charleston bodes well for Kelsey’s coaching prospects in the ACC.