coach Kenny payne announce a devastating news

In a significant development for college basketball, the University of Louisville has dismissed men’s basketball head coach Kenny Payne after two challenging seasons. The decision, announced on March 13, 2024, follows the Cardinals’ 94-85 loss to North Carolina State in the first round of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Tournament, culminating an 8-24 season. Over his tenure, Payne amassed a record of 12 wins and 52 losses, marking the lowest winning percentage in both the program’s and ACC’s history. citeturn0search0

Athletic Director Josh Heird expressed the difficulty of the decision, stating, “Kenny has given a great deal to this university over a span of nearly 40 years, and he will always be a valued member of our Louisville family.” He continued, “When we brought Kenny home in 2022, no one had a stronger belief than me in his potential success, but it’s become clear that a change is needed to help this program achieve what is expected and attainable.” citeturn0search8

Payne, a former Louisville player and member of the 1986 national championship team, was hired in March 2022 with high expectations. His coaching resume included a decade as an assistant under John Calipari at Kentucky and a stint with the NBA’s New York Knicks. Despite his extensive experience, the Cardinals struggled under his leadership, beginning his tenure with a 4-28 record—the worst in the program’s history. citeturn0search7

The challenges extended beyond the court. The team faced early setbacks, including an exhibition loss to Division II Lenoir-Rhyne and a season-opening defeat to Bellarmine. These losses set a troubling tone for Payne’s tenure. Additionally, the program dealt with internal issues, such as the departure of player Koron Davis under unclear circumstances, which added to the turmoil surrounding the team. citeturn0search7

Fan support dwindled as the team’s performance declined, with attendance at the 22,090-seat home arena dropping to just over a quarter of its capacity. Despite these challenges, Payne remained steadfast in his commitment. Following the season-ending loss, he reflected, “Whether I’m the coach or not, I can look in the mirror and say, ‘I gave it everything I had to help this program.'” citeturn0search9

The university now faces the task of finding a successor capable of restoring the program’s storied legacy. Potential candidates include Florida Atlantic’s Dusty May and Charleston’s Pat Kelsey, among others. Heird emphasized the importance of the next coach possessing “proven success and experience” and an “intense passion” for the role, underscoring the high expectations associated with leading Louisville basketball. citeturn0search8

As the search for a new head coach begins, the Louisville community reflects on Payne’s long-standing association with the university and the challenges that marked his tenure. The forthcoming appointment aims to rejuvenate the program and meet the high standards expected by its supporters.