CBB Coaching Carousel: Louisville Expected to Part Ways with Kenny Payne

Louisville is expected to part ways with head coach Kenny Payne, Stadium’s Jeff Goodman reported on Tuesday night. Goodman adds that an official announcement from the University should happen within the next day or two. UofL will now enter the coaching search this offseason.

Louisville is expected to part ways with Kenny Payne after two seasons, source told @TheFieldOf68.

Likely be official in the next 24-48 hours.

Payne won 12 total games in two seasons.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 13, 2024

Louisville joins a list of open Power-5 head coaching jobs: DePaul, Ohio State, Washington and West Virginia.

Payne lasted two seasons at Louisville, recording a 12-51 combined record. Payne was hired during the 2022 offseason, replacing Chris Mack, after having assistant stints at Oregon, Kentucky and the New York Knicks. Payne played at Louisville from 1985-89 under Denny Crum and was a part of the 1986 National Championship team.

Payne had the Cardinals at an all-time low for the program and now Louisville will look for a replacement.

According to WDRB News’ Eric Crawford, one of the longest-tenured reporters on the Louisville beat, his sources are telling him coaches like Scott Drew, Dusty May, Josh Schertz and even a coach WVU fans are very familiar with from his days at Pitt and now in the Big 12 at TCU – Jamie Dixon.

Out of those names, May immediately jumps off the page because he’s been widely connected to several open jobs and he’s also someone WVU director of athletics Wren Baker was reportedly interested in last summer while briefly searching following the departure of Bob Huggins.

Guess I should answer this question. This not from a first-hand source, but several I would consider having access to pretty close info. (I'm always dubious, because agents are known for putting out stuff to get their guys' raises). It gets to be so much noise you don't trust… https://t.co/6j8khC1AJr

— Eric Crawford (@ericcrawford) March 12, 2024

College Basketball Power-5 Coaching Carousel: Rumors About Louisville’s Search Could Impact WVU