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Why Louisville is separating from Chris Mack and potential replacements for Cardinals men’s basketball coach



LouisvilleĀ and its men’s basketball head coach Chris Mack appear to be headed for a divorce.

According to multiple reports, an official meeting between the university’s Board of Trustees and the Athletics board wasĀ scheduled for Wednesday to approve the separation. The news was firstĀ reported by The Athletic.Ā Although he’s only in his fourth season of a seven-year deal with the Cardinals, reports speculate that the 64-52 loss to Virginia on Monday night was his last game on the sidelines at Louisville.Ā 

The possibility of theĀ impending separation was fueled even further when Mack’s radio show was canceled on Tuesday night.Ā 

The decision to move on from Mack comes during a time of uncertainty for Louisville, which is run by interim athletic director Josh Heird. The Cardinals are alsoĀ without a full-time school president after the recent departure of Neeli Bendapudi left for Penn State.

Following the confirmation of the separation agreement later this week, per Jon Rothstein, assistant Mike Pegues will take over as interim head coach ahead of the Cardinals’ next matchup at home against Duke.Ā 

Mack’s buyout is approximately $12 million, which could be negotiated down as part of the separation agreement.Ā 

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After leading Xavier for nine seasons, Mack was hired by Louisville in 2018 on a seven-year deal worth about $4 million per season. HeĀ helped the Cardinals earn the No. 7 seed and a trip to the NCAA March Madness Tournament during his first year with the program.Ā 

Louisville sits at 11-9 overall and 5-5 in the ACC after losing five of its past six games.

Mack wasĀ suspended without pay for multiple games at the beginning of the season during an investigation on his former assistant,Ā Dino Gaudio. The NCAA’s investigation discovered several violations in Louisville and Gaudio was sentenced to a year of probation and withĀ $10,000 fine for attempting to extort Mack.Ā 

Several players shared in the frustration on the Cardinals’ coaching situation.WDRB reporter Rick Bozich spoke to Louisville players on Tuesday regarding the staff change.Ā 

While Pegues will temporarily take charge of coaching responsibilities, Louisville will search for potential candidates. WLKY reporter Dominique YatesĀ already offered speculation on replacements for Louisville’s head coach.Ā 

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With the loss to Virginia on Monday night, the Cardinals marked their fifth loss to conference opponents and fellĀ to an 11-9 (5-5 ACC) record for the season. Louisville will have a shot at breaking their slump as they prepare to host Duke on Saturday at 12 p.m. ET.Ā 





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