On Friday, the Louisville basketball program announced Rick Pitino’s replacement.
As was expected, assistant coach David Padgett will serve as the Cardinals interim head coach while the university searches for a permanent replacement. Louisville interim President Greg Postel announced the news at a press conference.
“It’s been a dark week at Louisville. There’s no other thing to say about that,” Padgett said at his introductory press conference.
“It’s been very trying for a lot of people; the university, the city, this program, the athletic department. “But we’ll get through it. We’re putting our heads down, going back to work and look forward to moving forward.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEcCkq8RkGY
Padgett is a former player at Louisville and joined the staff in 2014 as director of basketball operations. Last season was his first year serving as an assistant coach on Pitino’s staff and now he will have full control of the program.
Pitino was placed on unpaid administrative leave earlier this week with the intent of being favored once a ten-day grace period passes.
It’s going to be an interesting season for the Cardinals with the last-minute shakeup before practices start on Saturday, but it will show whether Padgett has what it takes to earn the full-time job.
Louisville kicks off its 2017-18 campaign on Sunday, Nov. 12 against Georgia Mason.
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