The Louisville Cardinals are set to name New York Knicks assistant coach Kenny Payne as their next Head Coach. This move comes after a disastrous season that ended before the season truly ended with the firing of Head Coach Chris Mack. Payne is well-loved in the state of Kentucky after playing for the Louisville Cardinals and serving as an assistant coach for the Kentucky Wildcats. He was quickly the top choice for the program and is expected to be named the Head Coach as early as Friday.

Sources: Pending board approval on Friday, Louisville will hire Kenny Payne as its next head basketball coach.

A press conference is expected for Friday.

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 16, 2022

The Louisville Cardinals men’s basketball program hasn’t quite been the same since NCAA sanctions came down and Head Coach Rick Pitino was fired from the program. Kenny Payne could be exactly what the program needs to bring the fans together and get back to the program’s winning ways. Programs across college basketball have had varying degrees of success bringing in former players to coach. That being said Payne already has a rich coaching history in college and the NBA.

Kenny Payne is a hire that will unite the Louisville fanbase and give them something to latch onto, which they need

He will recruit very well and is beloved by players. How much he wins remains to be seen but he is a great dude who deserves the opportunity

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) March 16, 2022

Louisville basketball has high and lofty expectations of their program and for good reason. College basketball is better when Louisville is a competitive team and contending for national championships. Kenny Payne will inherit a program that needs a rebuild, but he seems ready for the task.

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