Louisville Adds New Basketball Assistant Coaches

Salaries and details of new hires revealed for Cardinals' coaching staff

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:25am

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in shades of blue, orange, and gold, conceptually representing the strategic complexity and energy of a college basketball game.Louisville's new coaching staff brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the storied basketball program.Louisville Today

Louisville has announced the hiring of two new assistant coaches for the men's basketball team, Pat Kelsey and Bryce Drew. The new assistants will join head coach Kenny Payne as the Cardinals look to bounce back from a disappointing second-round NCAA Tournament exit last season.

Why it matters

Louisville is one of the most prestigious college basketball programs in the country, and the coaching staff hires are critical to the team's success. The salaries and backgrounds of the new assistants provide insight into the program's priorities and commitment to rebuilding after a down year.

The details

Kelsey, the former head coach at UMass, will earn $450,000 per year on a three-year contract. Drew, who previously served as an assistant at Vanderbilt, will make $350,000 annually on a two-year deal. Both coaches bring extensive experience at the Division I level and are expected to provide an immediate boost to Louisville's recruiting and player development efforts.

  • The new assistant coaches were announced on April 16, 2026.
  • Kelsey and Drew will begin their roles with the team ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The players

Pat Kelsey

Former head coach at UMass who brings over 15 years of Division I coaching experience to the Louisville staff.

Bryce Drew

Previously served as an assistant coach at Vanderbilt and has a strong track record of player development.

Kenny Payne

Head coach of the Louisville men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“I could not be more excited to join one of the truly elite and prestigious programs in college basketball and to work for an outstanding coach in coach Kelsey.”

— Pat Kelsey, New Louisville Assistant Coach

What’s next

The new coaching staff will begin preparing the team for the 2026-27 season, with an emphasis on improving the team's defense and developing the roster's young talent.

The takeaway

Louisville's investment in its coaching staff signals a commitment to returning the program to national prominence after a down year. The high-profile hires of Kelsey and Drew demonstrate the Cardinals' willingness to spend to assemble an elite coaching team capable of competing at the highest level of college basketball.