Louisville has made the decision to part ways with coach Kenny Payne following two lackluster seasons that saw the team post a combined record of 12-52, marking the worst consecutive finishes in the program's history. The move comes after the Cardinals suffered an eighth consecutive defeat in the ACC Tournament, losing 94-85 to North Carolina State.
Athletic director Josh Heird expressed his belief in Payne's potential success when he was hired in 2022 but stated that a change was necessary for the program to meet its expectations. Payne, who is set to receive an $8 million buyout, had a six-year contract through 2028 with a base annual salary of $3.35 million plus incentives.
Despite hopes for improvement, Louisville finished the season with an 8-24 record, with only one ACC victory in two seasons under Payne. Speculation now surrounds who will succeed Payne, with candidates like Scott Drew, Dusty May, and Josh Schertz being considered.
The next coach faces the challenge of reviving a program that has been struggling and restoring its on-court relevancy. Louisville, known for its rich basketball tradition, has won three NCAA championships on the court, though one title was vacated due to a past scandal.
For Heird, finding the right fit for Louisville's basketball program is crucial. Payne, a Louisville native with strong ties to the community, was seen as a potential leader to guide the team back to success. However, disappointing losses and a lackluster performance led to his dismissal.
The Cardinals showed promise in recruiting under Payne, but the challenge now is to retain players and avoid mass exits via the transfer portal. The team struggled defensively and faced roster challenges due to injuries and player decisions.
As Louisville embarks on its search for a new head coach, the focus remains on returning the program to its former glory and competing at a high level in college basketball.
