LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Thursday afternoon, Louisville is expecting to meet Pat Kelsey, the new head coach of the University of Louisville's basketball program.
This comes two weeks after former head coach Kenny Payne was fired.
The 48-year-old Cincinnati native has been the head coach of the College of Charleston in South Carolina for the past three seasons.
He helped the Charleston team get to a record number of wins and their first NCAA tournament run since 2018.
After a rough two years for the Cards, Louisville is ready to get back to work.
“Pat Kelsey is a quality coach," said former UofL basketball player and Athletic Director of Simmons College, Jerry Eaves. "We’ve got a great fan base, a great arena, a great tradition and the will is here. The businessmen want to make it successful and they’re going to do everything they have to to help Coach Kelsey. Coach Kelsey is a fine coach. He’s going to do the very best he can do. It will come back, it can come back. But, it’s going to take time.”
But there is some hesitation in the sports community over the pick.
"I think there is some concern about his ability to win at this level, just because he's never done it before, but I also think you have a guy that's well regarded in coaching circles, has a great reputation nationally, and who's won for over a decade consistently," said Manager of Card Chronicle Mike Rutherford.
There is hope for what Kelsey will bring to the Cards.
“He’s a proven winner who’s done this for a long time," Rutherford said. "He knows what he’s doing and I think Louisville fans can be very excited about that."
Kelsey is known for his enthusiasm and intense excitement on the sidelines, which some say the team needs.
“I think he’s someone that checks a really important box right out of the gate, which is energy, enthusiasm. Louisville basketball has never needed life injected into it when it comes from top to bottom – fans and everyone involved. I think he will know that right away," said Sports Talk 790 iHeartMedia Host Nick Coffey. "You’re getting a good coach in Pat Kelsey, he’s won everywhere he’s been and he’s probably hit the ceiling at the schools he’s been: Winthrop and College of Charleston. I don’t think you’re questioning can the guy coach. He can do it. The question is can he get it done at this level?”
UofL President Kim Schatzel and Athletics Director Josh Heird will hold a news conference after the board meets Thursday at 3 p.m.
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