Earl Grant, who left College of Charleston to become the basketball coach at Boston College, is reportedly set to be followed by his former assistant Pat Kelsey. According to sources, Kelsey has been offered the job at Louisville and is in the process of finalizing a deal. This move comes after Kenny Payne was fired by the Cardinals following a disappointing season with only eight wins.
Kelsey has had great success at College of Charleston over the past three seasons, compiling an impressive 74-27 overall record and a marked 39-15 record in the Coastal Athletic Association. The 2022-23 season was his standout year, where he guided the Cougars to a historic 31-4 record, setting a program record for the most wins at the NCAA Division I level. This successful run included the nation’s longest winning streak at 20 games and a month-long spot in The Associated Press’ Top 25 poll.
Kelsey signed a lucrative five-year contract extension worth $1 million in annual pay running through the 2028 season, making him the highest-paid coach in the CAA. He received bonuses this year and would have received a $50,000 pay raise had he remained for another year. The contract also includes a $1 million buyout clause if he decides to leave before 2028.
Several key players from College of Charleston have entered the transfer portal amidst this coaching change, including Ante Brzovic, Ben Burnham, Jordan Crawford, Khalil London, and Evan Kilminster. Kelsey’s adaptability to college sports landscape and embracing elements like transfers and name image likeness have set him apart as one of top coaches in country.
If Kelsey makes this transition to Louisville, he will follow in Grant’s footsteps as both men moved from CofC to ACC schools after leading their respective teams to multiple NCAA tournament appearances