Xavier Basketball: Chris Mack has no reason to leave the Musketeers
Rumors are swirling that Chris Mack could leave Xavier for the Louisville Cardinals, but that doesn’t pass the smell test.
Xavier’s season ended in disappointment, as the top-seed Musketeers could stave off a Second-Round upset at the hands of the Florida State Seminoles. The loss certainly stung head coach Chris Mack.
Enough for him to leave for the next opportunity, though? Don’t think so.
Rumors are intensifying that Mack could be on the verge of defecting to the Louisville Cardinals, who reportedly already met with the head coach. He’s clearly emerging as Louisville’s top target in their coaching search, and for good reason.
Louisville seems like an odd destination for Mack at this moment, though. While he isn’t directly following the legendary Rick Pitino, he’ll be close enough removed that he’d need to appeal to the group of fans who remain loyal to Pitino. There’s also a contingent loyal to alum David Padgett after his steady yearlong leadership.
The Cardinals also aren’t out of the woods in the eyes of the NCAA (or FBI, for that matter). The possibility of more sanctions should scare any coach, especially one just beginning their tenure with a team. Sanctions would be a valid excuse nationally, but may not fly for a passionate group of fans.
More importantly, Mack has a good thing going at Xavier. The Musketeers aren’t a small program – they play in the Big East nowadays, not the Atlantic 10. While Xavier was a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, the Cardinals weren’t even a No. 1 seed in the NIT.
Which team would an established coach rather lead right now?
Mack has no ties to the Louisville program. He was born in Cleveland, though, and has worked for Xavier on-and-off 1999, after he played for the school as a student. He’s raising a young family as well.
There’s just no reason for Chris Mack to defect Xavier at this time, especially for Louisville.