Louisville hiring Charleston coach Kelsey on 5-year deal

Charleston head coach Pat Kelsey agreed to a five-year contract to become Louisville's next bench boss, Cardinals director of athletics Josh Heird announced Thursday.

"Pat has proven his ability to build multiple programs to an elite level," Heird said in a statement. "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."

Kelsey spent three seasons at Charleston, going 75-27. The 48-year-old led the Cougars to their first March Madness appearance since 2018 last season. They returned to the Big Dance this year, losing to Alabama in the first round.

Before Charleston, Kelsey spent nine seasons as the head coach at Winthrop, where he reached the NCAA Tournament twice.

Louisville dismissed Kenny Payne earlier in March after he went 12-52 over two seasons. The Cardinals have not made the Big Dance since 2019 under former bench boss Chris Mack.

New Mexico head coach Richard Pitino was under consideration for the role but decided to remain with the Lobos, sources told Adam Zagoria of Zagsblog. Pitino is the son of longtime Cardinals coach Rick Pitino.