IT’S OFFICIAL: Louisville Activates Pat Kelsey Contract Extension Clause, Adds $3.3Million To His Annual Compensation, Entends Contract To 2031 With Louisville
Louisville Activates Pat Kelsey’s Contract Extension Following Remarkable First Season
Louisville, KY – April 10, 2025
In a move that underscores his immediate impact, the University of Louisville has officially activated the one-year contract extension clause for head coach Pat Kelsey after a remarkable debut season. This extension, which extends Kelsey’s contract through the 2029–30 season, is a testament to his success in revitalizing the Cardinals’ basketball program.
Kelsey, who took over as head coach in March 2024, led Louisville to a 27–8 overall record and a dominant 18–2 mark in ACC play, propelling the team to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in five years. The team also reached the ACC Tournament championship game for the first time in nearly a decade, a remarkable feat for a program that had struggled in recent seasons. His efforts earned him the ACC Coach of the Year award, further cementing his status as one of the brightest coaching talents in the nation.
As outlined in Kelsey’s original contract, his team’s performance triggered the automatic extension clause, which rewards success with additional years and a significant salary bump. The university has also increased his annual compensation to $3.3 million, up from $2.3 million, reflecting the tremendous value he’s brought to the program in such a short time.
“This extension is a reflection of Pat’s leadership and the outstanding work he’s done with our team,” said Athletic Director Josh Heird. “Under his guidance, our team has not only exceeded expectations but has also reignited the passion of our fans and alumni.”
With the contract extension now in place, Kelsey and the Cardinals will aim to build on this year’s success, setting their sights on continued growth and deeper tournament runs in the coming seasons. The future of Louisville basketball looks brighter than ever under Kelsey’s leadership.
