What players, media, others are saying about Chris Mack's departure from U of L basketball
The Louisville men's basketball team is officially looking for a new coach.
Louisville announced, on Wednesday, that it is mutually parting ways with coach Chris Mack and will begin looking for a new leader to its biggest program. Mack's settlement with Louisville was negotiated to a $4.8 million buyout paid out over three years and was approved by the Louisville board of trustees and the Louisville Athletic Association board. His buyout was $12 million entering the season.
Assistant coach Mile Pegues will step in as interim coach and had a 5-1 record in the first six games this season as head coach, when Mack was on a suspension. Pegues will stick on as interim coach until the season ends and then Louisville is expected to look for its next men's basketball coach. The Cardinals finished 68-37 in Mack's three and a half years at Louisville, but were trending downward this season with an 11-9 record and ranked No. 113 in the KenPom ratings.
The news of Louisville's change at head coach began to trickle in and continued until it announced the settlement Wednesday evening. Because of the high-profile nature of Louisville's basketball program it caused a stir on social media here are some of the notable reactions.
More: Chris Mack on expected departure from Louisville basketball: 'I ain't bitter at all'
Also: With Chris Mack out as head coach, who's next for Louisville basketball?
Former Louisville player Russ Smith chimed in about Mack
Coach Mack has a beautiful family & great kids. Always was very welcoming towards me.
Was an amazing hire during a tough time at UofL, just didn’t work out the way we all wanted.
Lets keep it positive & wish coach & his family the best moving forward.— Russdiculous 🚥 Russ Smith (@Specter_Smit) January 26, 2022
Louisville play-by-play radio man Paul Rogers pens his thoughts
— Paul Rogers (@paulnrogers1) January 26, 2022
One Louisville fan remembers Chris Mack for a special message he sent him
I didn’t share this at the time, but last year I tweeted about losing my father & Chris Mack sent me this kind message. I didn’t tag him or any other official UofL account. He didn’t have to do that, so I’ll always think highly of him for it. Best of luck to him and his family. pic.twitter.com/V4o4hEc8Xd
— Ty in Louisville (@TyInLouisville) January 26, 2022
John Yarmuth weighs in backing Kenny Payne
If Kenny Payne is not at the top of the list to take over @LouisvilleMBB, the people choosing the next coach shouldn’t be the ones choosing.
— Rep. John Yarmuth (@RepJohnYarmuth) January 26, 2022
Louisville forward Sydney Curry takes to Twitter with an "Ls Up"
— Sydney Curry (@Bigticket_sc) January 26, 2022
CBS insider John Rothstein says Louisville remains top basketball job
Many in the industry believe that Louisville is one of the top seven or eight jobs in college basketball.
Long line for this one. https://t.co/4voR9TC1ov— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) January 26, 2022
The Athletic's Sam Vecenie said Louisville is capable of winning a national championship with the right coach
With a bunch of our writers over at @TheAthleticCBB, we chatted about the Louisville job and Chris Mack. What went wrong, how we got here, etc. I also said this about the Louisville job, which I genuinely believe if they get the hire right: https://t.co/dTZvI2Cmo8 pic.twitter.com/RiZmMxpsCj
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) January 26, 2022
Bellarmine men's basketball coach Scotty Davenport didn't post to Twitter but had a statement about Mack.
"I have great respect for Coach Mack. My son Doug was a Graduate Assistant Coach under him at Xavier. I appreciate he worked his was up the coaching profession paying his dues at many levels. The first lesson all coaches learn is there are many ways to be successful. He has his style and philosophy’s. He is a husband, father and a son. I wish him success!"
Cameron Teague Robinson CTeagueRob@gannett.com; Twitter: @cj_teague;
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Chris Mack out as Louisville basketball coach: Twitter responds
