Change is in the air for men’s college basketball as Chris Mack, one of the sport’s most accomplished coaches, embarks on a new chapter as the head coach of the University of South Florida Bulls. The news, confirmed on March 25, 2026, sent ripples through the college basketball community, marking the end of Mack’s two-year tenure at the College of Charleston and the beginning of a highly anticipated era in Tampa.
Mack’s move comes after a solid run at the College of Charleston, where he compiled a 45-20 overall record in two seasons. The Cougars, under his guidance, finished third and second in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) during his two years, although postseason success proved elusive. The 2025-26 campaign ended abruptly for Charleston, as they suffered a first-round upset in the CAA Tournament—an exit that left both fans and players yearning for more.
Despite the lack of NCAA Tournament appearances during his Charleston stint, Mack’s impact was undeniable. When he was hired in April 2024, the college inked him to a five-year deal worth $1.1 million per season, a testament to his pedigree and the high expectations surrounding his arrival. His contract included a buyout clause, and as he departs for South Florida less than two years into the agreement, Mack owes the College of Charleston $1.3 million. In a unique twist, the buyout also includes a home-and-home series between the Cougars and the Bulls—a scheduling quirk that will surely add intrigue to future non-conference matchups.
College of Charleston Athletic Director Matt Roberts expressed gratitude for Mack’s leadership, stating, “We are grateful for Chris and his leadership the past two seasons at the helm of our men’s basketball program. We wish him, Christi and their family nothing but the best on their next journey.” Roberts reiterated the program’s commitment to excellence, highlighting Charleston’s status as a top 10 program all-time in Division I winning percentage. The search for Mack’s successor is already underway, with Collegiate Sports Associates assisting in a national search.
For South Florida, Mack’s hiring represents a bold move aimed at capitalizing on the program’s growing momentum. USF CEO of Athletics Rob Higgins made the announcement official, declaring, “Bulls basketball has incredible momentum, and we’ve found an outstanding coach and leader to elevate our program to the next level. Chris Mack has reached 20 or more wins in 12 of his 15 seasons as a head coach and guided teams to nine NCAA Tournaments, including several Sweet 16s and an Elite Eight. He brings elite experience in roster building through the portal and transforming programs in a short time frame. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Chris and his family to Bulls Nation.”
Mack steps into the role as the 13th head coach in Bulls men’s basketball history, succeeding Bryan Hodgson, who left USF for Providence after leading the Bulls to American Conference regular-season and tournament titles and an NCAA Tournament appearance in his lone season. This coaching shuffle comes at a time when USF Athletics is celebrating its 60th season, underscoring the program’s rich tradition and recent resurgence.
Mack’s coaching résumé is nothing short of impressive. Across 15 seasons as a head coach at Xavier, Louisville, and College of Charleston, he boasts a 323-153 (.679) career record. His tenure at Xavier from 2009 to 2018 established him as the program’s all-time winningest coach with 215 victories. The Musketeers reached the NCAA Tournament eight times under his watch, making four Sweet 16 appearances and an Elite Eight run in 2017. In 2018, he guided Xavier to its first-ever Big East Conference regular season championship and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, earning him Big East Coach of the Year honors.
After leaving Xavier, Mack took the reins at Louisville in 2018. He led the Cardinals to a 20-14 record and an NCAA Tournament berth in his first season, defying preseason expectations. The following year, his Louisville squad posted a 24-7 record and achieved a No. 1 national ranking in both the AP and USA Today polls—a remarkable feat, though the postseason was ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mack’s Louisville tenure ended during the 2021-22 season, after which he took a two-year hiatus from coaching before returning at Charleston.
Throughout his career, Mack has demonstrated a knack for building winning programs and developing talent. He has posted 12 seasons with 20 or more wins and led teams to nine NCAA Tournament appearances, including four Sweet 16s and an Elite Eight. His postseason record stands at 11-9, and he’s one of only 19 coaches in college basketball history to lead a team to a No. 1 ranking within the first two years at a new school. Recognized for his coaching acumen, Mack received the 2016 Henry Iba Award as the national coach of the year and has twice been named conference coach of the year.
Off the court, Mack is lauded for his integrity and leadership. He was the recipient of the 2011 Skip Prosser Man of the Year Award, which honors coaches who excel both on the court and in character. His reputation as a program builder and leader extends beyond wins and losses, earning him respect throughout the basketball community.
In his first statement as USF’s head coach, Mack expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity: “I am truly excited for the opportunity to lead a South Florida basketball program that’s on an exceptional trajectory and to join a university and athletic department defined by strong leadership, shared aspirations, and tremendous alignment. The exceptional vision and commitment Rob outlined are inspiring, and I am grateful for his trust and belief in my leadership of Bulls basketball. I’m eager to connect with Bulls Nation, the students in the SoFlo Rodeo, and the passionate fans who make the Yuengling Center such a special home court.”
USF’s athletic program, founded in 1965, now sponsors 21 varsity teams, with 20 competing at the NCAA Division I level in the American Athletic Conference. The Bulls have captured 156 conference titles across 16 sports and have maintained a strong academic record, with student-athletes achieving a combined GPA of 3.0 or above for 22 consecutive semesters as of fall 2025. The addition of Mack to the men’s basketball program is expected to further energize the Bulls’ fan base and propel the team to new heights.
As the dust settles on this major coaching move, all eyes turn to Tampa, where Chris Mack takes the helm of a USF program brimming with potential. With a proven winner now calling the shots, Bulls Nation has plenty of reasons to believe that the best is yet to come.