Louisville Extends Pat Kelsey’s Contract, but Salary Lags Behind Predecessor.
The NCAA Tournament field is set, and few teams have experienced a more remarkable turnaround than the Louisville Cardinals. Just a year ago, Louisville was in disarray. They finished last in the ACC for the second consecutive season, compiling a 12-52 record during that stretch. The team knew a change was needed, so they parted ways with head coach Kenny Payne and hired Pat Kelsey.
The move paid off immediately. Kelsey led the Cardinals to a 27-7 record, winning 18 conference games and securing second place in the ACC. This success earned Louisville a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019.
As a result, Kelsey’s contract was extended, with another year added to his deal, now running through 2030. He also earned a bonus of at least $50,000 and a $25,000 bonus for winning ACC Coach of the Year. However, despite his success, Kelsey’s salary is still lower than that of Payne, whom he replaced. Payne, who now serves as an associate coach at Arkansas under John Calipari, earned a base salary of $3.35 million, while Kelsey makes $2,367,418. But Kelsey still has an opportunity to increase his earnings with performance-based bonuses.
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If Louisville wins their first-round game, he will earn $100,000, and each subsequent victory adds another $50,000 to the total. A national championship victory would bring an additional $500,000, potentially boosting Kelsey’s salary well beyond Payne’s.
Pat Kelsey’s first season at Louisville has been nothing short of remarkable. By turning around a struggling program and leading the Cardinals back to the NCAA Tournament, he has proven himself to be an outstanding coach. While his salary may not yet reflect his success, the potential for performance bonuses makes it clear that he’s on the rise. Louisville’s future looks bright under Kelsey’s leadership, and his impressive turnaround will likely be the foundation for continued success in the years to come.
