LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The turnaround for the University of Louisville men’s basketball team has lead to a contract extension for head coach Pat Kelsey.

What You Need To Know

  • Louisville's Pat Kelsey receives contract extension through March 2030

  • Three other UofL coaches also received extensions

  • Kelsey's new deal runs through March 2030

According to the University of Louisville, it's Athletic Association’s Board of Directors approved a five-year extension and a $1million salary increase for Kelsey. His new deal runs through March 2030. The ULAA also approved extensions for several other athletic coaches.

Kelsey, according the USA TODAY Sports database, was paid over $2.3 million for the 2024-2025 season. Kelsey automatically received a one-year contract extension and $50,000 by taking the school to its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2019. He also received $25,000 bonus for being named ACC Coach of the Year.

Men’s basketball under Kelsey had an overall record of 27-8 and an 18-2 record in the ACC, the most ever for the Cardinals in their 11 years in the Atlantic Coast Conference. UofL was one of the most improved teams in the country in both total wins from the previous season and in NET ranking from the end of 2023-2024 to the end of 2024-2025. The Cardinals finished No. 21 in the final AP poll—the first time UofL has finished the season in a poll since 2020. 

The ULAA also approved contract extensions for the following coaches:

Ryan Flagg, men’s golf head coach, received a five-year extension through June 30, 2030

Derek Copeland, women’s rowing head coach, received a three-year extension through June 30, 2038

Scott Teeter, women’s lacrosse head coach, received a three-year extension through June 30, 2028.

Rachel Cosgrove was promoted to Associate Athletic Director for Development after working for 10 years for the Cardinal Athletic Fund.

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