Charleston’s Pat Kelsey headed to Louisville

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Pat Kelsey, who led the College of Charleston Cougars to two back-to-back stints at the NCAA Tournament, is heading to Louisville.

While rumors began circulating online Wednesday, the University of Louisville made its decision official on Thursday afternoon after the University of Louisville Athletic Association Board of Directors approved Coach Kelsey’s contract.

The contract with the Cardinals lasts five years through the 2028-29 season.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Pat Kelsey as our new men’s basketball coach,” said Director of Athletics Josh Heird. “Pat has proven his ability to build multiple programs to an elite level. 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. We’re looking forward to having him, his wife Lisa and their children become part of the best community in college athletics.”

“I am humbled and honored to be named the head coach at the University of Louisville,” Kelsey said. “I would like to thank Josh Heird, President Schatzel, the Board of Trustees and ULAA Board, former UofL players and all of Card Nation for entrusting me to lead one of the great programs in all of college basketball. Coaching giants that I have tremendous respect and reverence for led Cardinal basketball to national prominence during their era. It is my charge to help this great program return to its rightful place as one of college basketball’s best.”

Kelsey was selected as the college’s head basketball coach in March 2021, replacing former head coach Earl Grant. He left Winthrop University for the job after nine seasons.

Under Kelsey’s leadership, the Cougars went to the NCAA Tournament in 2023 losing to San Diego State in the first round, and again in 2024 losing to Alabama.

Collegiate Sports Associates will assist the College of Charleston in an immediate national search.

“Coach Kelsey is an amazing talent and model leader,” said Andrew Hsu, president of the College of Charleston. “He brought so much energy and excitement to Our City and his impact goes far beyond basketball. His success reignited a premiere basketball school in a premiere city.”

“We are grateful for the record-breaking success Pat brought to the College of Charleston. His teams were not only tremendous on the court but in the community and in the classroom. Pat is a great coach but an even better father, husband, and friend,” said director of athletics Matt Roberts. “Louisville just got a significant upgrade to its men’s basketball program. We wish Pat, Lisa and the Kelsey family all the best in this new chapter of their lives.”

Known for his big energy, Kelsey was named Big South Conference Coach of the Year in 2021 and Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year in 2023.