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For leading Louisville basketball to its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2019, coach Pat Kelsey on Sunday received an automatic one-year contract extension and, at the very least, a $50,000 bonus.
In Year 1 of the Kelsey era, the Cardinals (27-7) pulled off the largest season-to-season turnaround in program history and reached the ACC Tournament championship game for the first time since joining the conference in 2014. Earning a No. 8 seed to March Madness, they drew No. 9 Creighton in the first round of the South regional on Thursday at Rupp Arena in Lexington.
Kelsey's 27 victories are the most by a first-year U of L coach. The late Hall of Famer Denny Crum held the record for decades with 26 in 1971-72.
For orchestrating it all, starting from scratch after every scholarship player from Kenny Payne's final team hit the NCAA transfer portal, Kelsey was crowned ACC Coach of the Year; for which he received a $25,000 bonus.
In addition to that bonus and the one he got for reaching the NCAA Tournament, the 49-year-old Cincinnati native is also guaranteed $125,000 to disperse among his staff.
Here's what to know:
Kelsey is getting paid $2,367,418 for the 2024-25 season. With this extension, his deal now runs through March 15, 2030.
Per a copy of his contract obtained by The Courier Journal, his salary will remain the same "unless otherwise negotiated" with U of L.
More: Can your picks survive March Madness? Join our Survivor Pool to find out
Kelsey's salary ranked 58th nationally in 2024-25 — one spot behind Oklahoma State's Steve Lutz ($2,400,000), one spot ahead of Utah's Craig Smith ($2,300,000) — and ninth in the ACC, according to a USA TODAY Sports database published Thursday.
For comparison's sake: Payne earned a base salary of $3.35 million and is receiving monthly severance payments of $201,388.88 through March 31, 2027.
Here's a look at the bonuses Kelsey could receive if Louisville makes a deep run in March Madness:
Note: Kelsey's NCAA Tournament bonuses are not cumulative.
If the Cards advance to the Sweet 16, Kelsey's staff bonus pool will increase to $250,000. If they reach the Final Four, he'll get $350,000 to share.
Reach Louisville men's basketball reporter Brooks Holton at [email protected] and follow him on X at @brooksHolton.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Pat Kelsey contract extension Louisville basketball in NCAA Tournament
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In Year 1 of the Kelsey era, the Cardinals (27-7) pulled off the largest season-to-season turnaround in program history and reached the ACC Tournament championship game for the first time since joining the conference in 2014. Earning a No. 8 seed to March Madness, they drew No. 9 Creighton in the first round of the South regional on Thursday at Rupp Arena in Lexington.
Kelsey's 27 victories are the most by a first-year U of L coach. The late Hall of Famer Denny Crum held the record for decades with 26 in 1971-72.
For orchestrating it all, starting from scratch after every scholarship player from Kenny Payne's final team hit the NCAA transfer portal, Kelsey was crowned ACC Coach of the Year; for which he received a $25,000 bonus.
In addition to that bonus and the one he got for reaching the NCAA Tournament, the 49-year-old Cincinnati native is also guaranteed $125,000 to disperse among his staff.
Here's what to know:
Pat Kelsey's Louisville basketball salary
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Kelsey is getting paid $2,367,418 for the 2024-25 season. With this extension, his deal now runs through March 15, 2030.
Per a copy of his contract obtained by The Courier Journal, his salary will remain the same "unless otherwise negotiated" with U of L.
More: Can your picks survive March Madness? Join our Survivor Pool to find out
Kelsey's salary ranked 58th nationally in 2024-25 — one spot behind Oklahoma State's Steve Lutz ($2,400,000), one spot ahead of Utah's Craig Smith ($2,300,000) — and ninth in the ACC, according to a USA TODAY Sports database published Thursday.
For comparison's sake: Payne earned a base salary of $3.35 million and is receiving monthly severance payments of $201,388.88 through March 31, 2027.
What bonuses are on the table for Pat Kelsey with Louisville basketball in the NCAA Tournament?
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Here's a look at the bonuses Kelsey could receive if Louisville makes a deep run in March Madness:
Note: Kelsey's NCAA Tournament bonuses are not cumulative.
- If Louisville reaches the Round of 32: $100,000
- If Louisville reaches the Sweet 16: $150,000
- If Louisville reaches the Elite Eight: $200,000
- If Louisville reaches the Final Four: $250,000
- If Louisville wins the national championship: $500,000
If the Cards advance to the Sweet 16, Kelsey's staff bonus pool will increase to $250,000. If they reach the Final Four, he'll get $350,000 to share.
Reach Louisville men's basketball reporter Brooks Holton at [email protected] and follow him on X at @brooksHolton.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Pat Kelsey contract extension Louisville basketball in NCAA Tournament
Continue reading...
