Charleston head coach Pat Kelsey reacts during the first half of a first-round college basketball game against Alabama in the NCAA Tournament in Spokane, Wash., Friday, March 22, 2024. LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville athletic director Josh Heird set a goal of hiring a coach who wanted the job so badly he would crawl to the campus to accept it.
“I expressed to Josh that I would I run here,” Kelsey said. “It’s the best job in the United States of America. He knew how bad I wanted it. ... But I was ready when my name was called. I think I’ve been prepared for that interview my entire life. It’s the ultimate job.”after going 12-52 in two historically bad seasons. Louisville has endured three consecutive losing seasons preceded by a series of scandals, one of which culminated in 123 vacated victories including its 2013 national title.
“This search took longer than people wanted it to,” Heird said. “I understand that, but I was not going to compromise on any of those traits. I’ve just discussed that this hire means too much to say, ‘This guy is pretty good, but ...’ I don’t have to say that about Pat Kelsey. We found the absolute best guy for the job.”