Who is Pat Kelsey? Louisville makes Cincinnati native its new head coach
Cincinnati native Pat Kelsey is the new head coach of the Louisville Cardinals, and he's scheduled to be introduced by the university Thursday afternoon.
Kelsey led College of Charleston to an NCAA tournament automatic bid for the second time in his three seasons as the Cougars' head coach. He played at Roger Bacon and Elder in high school, and also played at Xavier University and was an associate head coach for the Musketeers.
What to know about the 48-year-old Kelsey's reported move to UofL:
Kelsey is the second former Xavier player and coach to lead Louisville in the last three years.
Mack was the Cardinals' head coach from 2018 to 2022.
Mack, who starred at St. Xavier High School before playing and coaching at Xavier, said in February that he's ready to explore new coaching options for the first time since leaving UofL.
Mack has won more games than any head coach in Xavier Musketeers history. Kelsey was an associate head coach at XU while Mack was head coach for three seasons.
Jeff Goodman had reported that Vanderbilt's short list to replace Jerry Stackhouse was expected to include Kelsey and Mack.
On Monday, Vanderbilt introduced Mark Byington as the Commodores' new men's basketball head coach.
Byington led James Madison to a No. 12 seed in the NCAA tournament this year, and the Dukes upset No. 5 Wisconsin in the first round before losing to No. 4 Duke in the second round.
Kelsey's name has been trending on Twitter/X this week.
Many speculated Kelsey would be the Louisville Cardinals' choice to replace Kenny Payne as head coach.
Former UofL assistant and Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Mick Cronin, currently UCLA's head coach, also was mentioned as a candidate for the Louisville job.
Some reactions via social media:
BREAKING: Louisville is closing in on a deal with College of Charleston’s Pat Kelsey that would make Kelsey the Cardinals head coach, sources told @thefieldof68.
Barring a last-minute breakdown in negotiations, a deal is expected between the two sides.
Kelsey is a Midwest guy…— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 27, 2024
“I have never, ever been around a coach in any sport at any level who has the energy level of Pat Kelsey.”https://t.co/8ZbU2XP3Dj
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 27, 2024
Kelsey is also a Diehard Cincinnati Reds supporter.
Less than 100 miles between Louisville's KFC Yum! Center and Cincy's Great American Ballpark. https://t.co/AOfS3nyCKz— Rocco Miller (@RoccoMiller8) March 27, 2024
If this news is true about @patkelsey that would be amazing. One of the hardest working coaches I have ever met/played for. His ability to hold players accountable and elevate them to their full potential is incredible. Congrats coach!
— Kenny Frease (@tallfreak1018) March 27, 2024
Pat Kelsey is a Cincinnati guy with roots close to Louisville and will bring a totally fresh mentality to the Cardinals. Has gone 58-12 in the last two years with back-to-back NCAA Tournaments. He does it with high tempo, lots of offense and intensity. Quality hire by Louisville.
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) March 27, 2024
Pat Kelsey will galvanize the fan base.
He’s a winner. He knows the area.
His passion and energy is infectious.
He will dominate, DOMINATE NIL.
The program regains its pulse immediately.
He is precisely what Louisville needs at this time.
A+ decision.— jordan cornette (@jordancornette) March 27, 2024
PAT KELSEY is going to be a SUCCESS with @LouisvilleMBB He has that special “IT “ factor !https://t.co/hmlmsRe0U3 via @courierjournal
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) March 27, 2024
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This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Who is Pat Kelsey? Louisville to name Cincinnati native as head coach
