Baylor’s Scott Drew Emerges as Front-Runner for Louisville Men’s Basketball Coaching Vacancy

In a surprising turn of events, Louisville has officially parted ways with Kenny Payne as the head coach of the men’s basketball team, marking the end of a challenging two-year tenure for the former Louisville star. The decision was announced by Louisville Athletic Director Josh Heird, who expressed the need for a new direction to meet the program’s high expectations.

Following the disappointing 8-24 season and a first-round exit in the ACC tournament, Payne’s record of 12-52 fell short of what Louisville had envisioned. Despite Payne’s deep ties to the university spanning almost four decades, the decision to make a coaching change was deemed necessary for the program’s future success.

Payne’s departure has triggered a search for a new head coach, with Baylor‘s Scott Drew emerging as the leading contender for the coveted position. Drew, known for his success at Baylor including an NCAA championship, is currently the favorite according to BetKentucky.com.

Scott Drew, a native of Kansas City, boasts an impressive coaching resume with a remarkable record at Baylor, highlighted by one national championship and two Big 12 regular-season titles since 2021. The 53-year-old coach’s proven track record has made him a top candidate for the Louisville job.

While Drew appears to be the frontrunner, other notable names in the mix for the Louisville coaching vacancy include Nate Oats from Alabama, Chris Beard from Ole Miss, Mick Cronin from UCLA, and several others. However, factors such as buyout clauses and existing contracts could complicate the pursuit of these coaches.