Ten years ago, the University of Louisville boasted its position among the nation’s elite programs, fresh from a National Championship victory. However, a few years later, the program was rocked by scandal when an assistant coach arranged for a stripper during player visits. This incident was a glaring revelation, echoed by a stern FBI warning, shedding light on the long-suspected illegal recruitment practices prevalent in men’s college basketball. Since then, the Cardinals have weathered tough times, with the realization dawning on all involved that change is imperative.
Photo Cred: AP News
In the wake of Louisville’s defeat to North Carolina State in the ACC tournament on Tuesday night, the university promptly parted ways with Payne, the head basketball coach, as early as Wednesday. Payne, during his brief two-season tenure at Louisville, amassed a record of 12-52 (.188) overall and 5-35 (.125) in the ACC. Specifically, his team posted a 4-28 (2-28) record in 2022-23 and an 8-24 (3-17) record in 2023-24.
UCLA: Mick Cronin
Photo Cred: LA Times
Mick Cronin has seen success at every coaching stop in his career, whether at Murray State, Cincinnati, or UCLA. With multiple NCAA Tournament appearances at each institution, he has been named Conference Coach of the Year at least once with every program. Notably, Cronin has ties to Louisville, having served as an assistant under Rick Pitino for two seasons. Despite making 14 trips to the Big Dance, he has advanced past the initial weekend only four times. Nevertheless, in every non-COVID season with the Bruins, including a Final Four appearance in 2021, UCLA has been a strong contender. However, this year they are on track to miss the NCAA Tournament entirely.
Baylor: Scott Drew
Photo Cred: SI
If there were an ideal candidate available, it would be Scott Drew. Drew possesses all the qualities sought after by the program, showcasing proven success in tournaments, adept recruiting skills, a talent for player development, a history of turning programs around, and an exciting brand of basketball. Drew has one NCAA Championship to his name. During the search for Chris Mack’s replacement in 2022, Bob Valvano reported that “If you talked, Scott Drew would listen.” Unfortunately, discussions of Drew joining the Cardinals did not gain significant momentum, resulting in the Cardinals hiring Kenny Payne instead.
Houston: Kelvin Sampson
Photo Cred: Click 2 Houston
Kelvin Sampson’s coaching career spans decades, starting in 1979 as a graduate assistant at Michigan State. With over forty years of experience, Sampson has guided four different teams to the NCAA tournament, with two making it to the Final Four. While Sampson’s coaching expertise and track record are undeniable, the likelihood of him moving to Louisville remains slim. Sampson has been with Houston for over a decade, consistently securing top-5 rankings and deep runs into March Madness. Houston has reached the Sweet 16 or beyond for four consecutive seasons. Despite the challenge of enticing a coach away from such a successful program, Sampson has substantial reasons that make a move to Louisville improbable.
