Report: Louisville close to hiring Charleston's Pat Kelsey

Field Level Media|published: Wed 27th March, 12:35 2024

Mar 22, 2024; Spokane, WA, USA; Charleston Cougars head coach Pat Kelsey during the first half in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament against the Charleston Cougars at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. credits: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Louisville is close to naming College of Charleston's Pat Kelsey as its next men's basketball coach, multiple outlets reported Wednesday.

Kelsey, 48, guided to the Cougars to a 27-8 record and their second straight NCAA Tournament appearance this season. He owns a 75-27 record during his three campaigns at Charleston after posting a 186-95 mark during nine seasons at Winthrop.

The report on Kelsey comes exactly two weeks after Louisville informed Kenny Payne that he will not return as the team's coach. It also comes on the same day that former West Virginia coach Bob Huggins expressed interest in the job on WKRD 790 AM's Jerry Eaves Sports Radio.

"I think it's something that fits me perfectly," Huggins said. "There's absolutely no reason why I can't come into Louisville and make Louisville what it was before."

The Cardinals concluded an 8-24 season (3-17 in the Atlantic Coast Conference) with an eighth straight loss, a 94-85 setback to North Carolina State in the first round of the ACC tournament.

Payne, 57, posted a 12-52 record during his two seasons with Louisville, his alma mater.

—Field Level Media