Chris Mack takes the helm as the College of Charleston’s men’s basketball coach, following Pat Kelsey’s move to Louisville, with a five-year contract and a vision for continued success.
The College of Charleston has appointed Chris Mack, the former Louisville coach, as its new men’s basketball coach, following Pat Kelsey’s departure to Louisville last week.
Matt Roberts, the Athletic Director, announced on Tuesday that Mack has signed a five-year deal to helm the Cougars’ program.
Under this agreement, Mack will earn an annual salary of $1.1 million through the 2028-29 season, with potential bonuses ranging from $150,000 for an NCAA Tournament victory to $5,000 for making an appearance in the NIT.
If Mack decides to leave within the first two years, he is obligated to pay the college $1.5 million, which decreases to $1 million in the third year and $750,000 in the fourth. Exiting in the final year incurs no penalty.
Conversely, if the College decides to dismiss Mack, it must compensate him for the entirety of the remaining contract.
Additionally, Mack received a $35,000 signing bonus for relocation and temporary housing expenses.
Throughout his coaching tenure at Xavier and Louisville, Mack led his teams to the NCAA Tournament nine times in 12 seasons.
His Louisville career ended in January 2022 following a 6-8 start to the season, after a suspension for violating school policies in the termination of assistant coach Dino Gaudio.
Since then, Mack has been away from coaching until this new role.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Mack stated, “I can’t tell you how excited I am to be the next men’s basketball head coach at the College of Charleston. I’m more motivated than any coach in the country, and Cougar Nation is going to get my absolute best.”
Under Kelsey’s guidance, the Cougars secured two NCAA Tournament appearances as Coastal Athletic Association Tournament champions, though they were eliminated in the first round by Alabama in their latest outing.
Kelsey welcomed Mack’s appointment on social media, highlighting their lifelong friendship and Mack’s coaching prowess, predicting Charleston will warmly embrace him.
Roberts emphasized the college’s aim in hiring a coach like Mack, noting his proven track record and alignment with the vision for the program’s championship aspirations. “Chris Mack will undoubtedly continue the high level of success that our students, alumni, donors and community deserve,” he remarked.
During the 2019-20 season, Mack’s Louisville team ranked No. 1 for two weeks, concluding with a 24-7 record. While at Xavier, his squads made four Sweet 16 appearances and reached the Elite Eight in 2017.
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