Louisville Parts Ways with David Padgett; Interim HC to Seek Other Opportunities

David Padgett's tenure as Louisville's interim basketball coach has come to an end after one season. 

The 33-year-old told Evan Daniels of 247Sports that Louisville informed him it was moving "in a different direction."

"They appreciated my efforts and everything I did with this team and to make it a good situation," Padgett said. "Obviously they wished me nothing but the best, and I feel the same about the university."

Louisville interim athletic director Vince Tyra confirmed in a press conference that Padgett wouldn't return:

"We all owe a great debt of gratitude to David for his leadership and poise this season. He took over during incredible circumstances, has handled himself respectfully throughout the season and I believe he has a bright future in coaching. We expect to determine a new head coach in a short period to build upon the great basketball tradition of this university."

Padgett added he intends to pursue other head coaching opportunities. 

"Now I need to turn my attention to getting another head coaching job somewhere else," he told Daniels. "I think the experience I've gained this year has put me in the position to land a job as a head coach. Hopefully I can land another head coaching position."

Padgett was named Louisville's interim head coach on September 29 in the wake of an FBI probe into college basketball that led to the firing of head coach Rick Pitino and athletic director Tom Jurich. 

Prior to being promoted, Padgett worked as an assistant on Pitino's staff for the previous two years. He led the Cardinals to a 22-14 record and an appearance in the NIT, where they lost to Mississippi State in the quarterfinals on Tuesday. 

Daniels noted Louisville is expected to go after Xavier head coach Chris Mack to fill its vacancy, though no formal meetings have taken place.