The College of Charleston has hired former Louisville coach Chris Mack as its men’s basketball coach after their previous coach, Pat Kelsey, left for the Cardinals job. Mack has signed a five-year contract, bringing his success of nine NCAA Tournament appearances in 12 full seasons at Xavier and Louisville to the Cougars. Mack was dismissed from Louisville in January 2022 and has not coached since then. He expressed his excitement for the new opportunity and stated that Cougar Nation will see his best efforts.
Under Kelsey, the Cougars made it to the past two NCAA Tournaments as champions of the Coastal Athletic Association Tournament but were eliminated in the opening round by Alabama. Kelsey, on social media, expressed his support for Mack, calling it a great day for the College of Charleston and praising Mack as a phenomenal coach and connector. Athletic director Matt Roberts highlighted the importance of hiring a proven winner who shares the vision of championship basketball, and he believes Mack will continue the program’s success.
During his time at Louisville, Mack’s team was ranked No. 1 for two weeks in the 2019-20 season and had a successful record of 24-7. At Xavier, Mack led his teams to four Sweet 16 appearances and an Elite Eight appearance in 2017. The decision to hire Mack was based on his impressive coaching record and ability to lead teams to success in competitive conferences. The College of Charleston community is excited about the new era under Mack’s leadership and looks forward to seeing continued success on the court.
The addition of Mack to the College of Charleston coaching staff brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the program. Mack’s coaching style and strategic approach have proven successful at both Xavier and Louisville, and the Cougars hope to benefit from his expertise. Mack is known for his ability to motivate players and maximize their potential, which will be crucial in building a strong and competitive team at Charleston.
Mack’s appointment as the new head coach has generated excitement among the College of Charleston community, with fans eager to see his impact on the team. His track record of success and experience coaching in top-tier conferences make him a valuable asset to the program. The Cougars are optimistic about the future under Mack’s leadership and look forward to continued growth and success in the coming seasons. Mack’s hiring represents a new chapter for College of Charleston basketball, and the team is poised to build on its recent accomplishments under his guidance.
