LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Pat Kelsey is known for his energy level, and it was on full display Thursday as he was introduced as Louisville's new head men's basketball coach.
UofL's board of directors unanimously approved a five-year contract Thursday afternoon for Kelsey, who spent the past three seasons at College of Charleston. Multiple reports published Wednesday indicated the move was imminent.
He could hardly stand still as he addressed a jam-packed room of fans, media and other officials.
"I am who I am," Kelsey said. "I got the short end of the stick in handsomeness and hair. For whatever reason, the Lord blessed me with an abundance of energy. If you're not having fun at what you do, why are you doing it?"
Kelsey is the third coach to get the gig full-time since Rick Pitino was fired in 2017 after multiple scandals involving him and program. Kelsey replaces Kenny Payne, a former UofL player who lasted just two seasons at the helm and posted a 12-52 record.
After Payne's firing, UofL athletic director Josh Heird said he wanted a coach who was "dying" to be at Louisville. Kelsey seems to check that box.
"I wanted that call. I wanted to be here bad," Kelsey said. "I expressed to Josh that I would run here. It's the best job in America. He knew how bad I wanted it. I've prepared for that interview my entire life. This is the pinnacle of my profession."
Watch the full news conference below
UofL athletic director Josh Heird said he first approached Kelsey about the job the Friday prior to Selection Sunday. Heird began to describe what he saw in Kelsey and mentioned words like "passion," "energy" and "intensity."
"This job is big. This job is hard," Heird said. "It demands a lot. You have to know there is never a day off. If you're willing to embrace that, this is one of the best jobs in the world. Pat is prepared to navigate that.
"I wanted to find a coach who understood what it meant to build a program. Pat Kelsey has built two of them."
Heird provided an early example of Kelsey's relentless approach.
The two discussed the current roster and transfer portal about midnight Wednesday night. By Thursday morning at 5:30, Heird said he already had a text from Kelsey.
Kelsey wouldn't say if any of his Charleston players would be joining him in Louisville. There appears to be plenty of room as UofL currently has just three players on the roster with 10 in the portal.
Kelsey said he searched online for the top 50 players ever to play for the Cardinals and was blown away. He stressed any former player is welcome around the program and can show up at practice whenever they choose -- including Payne, who he mentioned by name.
He was asked how long fans should expect to wait before the program returns to its winning ways.
"If you don't plan on winning, don't put your shoes on," Kelsey said. "That's how I'm wired. I don't know how to play any other way."
Louisville owes $1.1 million to Charleston, according to buyout terms of Kelsey's contract, which were obtained by WHAS11 News Thursday through a public records request. The Cardinals decided on Kelsey after missing on Florida Atlantic's Dusty May, who chose Michigan over Louisville last weekend.
Kelsey, 48, was born in Cincinnati and played at Xavier. He served as an assistant there under Chris Mack, who served as head coach at Louisville from 2018-2022.
UofL is still paying Mack $133,000 a month through 2024.
Kelsey led Charleston to Coastal Athletic Association conference tournament titles and appearances in the NCAA Tournament in each of the last two seasons. After going 17-15 in his first year, he led the Cougars to records of 31-4 and 27-8.
He was named the 2024 CAA coach of the year.
Kelsey was the head coach at Winthrop for nine years, posting a record of 186-95. He made the NCAA Tournament his final two seasons with the Eagles.
Kelsey will earn a base salary of $2.3 million each year.
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