USF Bulls Name Chris Mack as Novel Head Basketball Coach
Veteran head coach led Xavier and Louisville to the NCAA Tournament; Has posted 12 20-win seasons and a nearly 68% winning percentage
TAMPA, MARCH 25, 2026 – University of South Florida CEO of Athletics Rob Higgins has named 2016 national coach of the year Chris Mack as the 13th head coach of the Bulls men’s basketball program.
A Proven Winner
Mack comes to South Florida after two seasons at the College of Charleston, where he amassed a 45-20 overall record, including a 21-11 mark in the 2025-26 season. Throughout his 15-year head coaching career, he has compiled a 323-153 (.679) record with stops at Xavier, Louisville, and Charleston.
Extensive Tournament Experience
Mack has led teams to nine NCAA Tournament appearances, posting an 11-9 record, including four Sweet 16 and one Elite Eight appearance with Xavier. He achieved 12 20-win seasons and, as a player, assistant coach, and head coach, has been part of 19 NCAA Tournament appearances.
“Bulls basketball has incredible momentum, and we’ve found an outstanding coach and leader to elevate our program to the next level,” said Higgins.
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.“
National Recognition and Awards
Mack was named the 2016 Henry Iba Award winner as the national coach of the year selected by the United States Basketball Writers Association. He has twice been named a conference coach of the year, earning 2018 Big East Coach of the Year and 2011 Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year honors. He also received the 2011 Skip Prosser Man of the Year Award.
Mack expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating,
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 produce the Yuengling Center such a special home court.“
Recent Coaching History
Prior to USF, Mack spent two seasons at the College of Charleston, achieving a 24-9 record and a 13-5 mark in the Coastal Athletic Association in his first season, followed by a 21-11 record (14-4 CAA) in 2025-26. He previously coached at Louisville (2018-22) and Xavier (2009-18).
At Louisville, Mack led the Cardinals to a 24-7 record and a 15-5 ACC mark in 2019-20, achieving a No. 1 ranking in the AP poll. During his nine seasons at Xavier, he amassed a 215-97 record and eight NCAA Tournament appearances, including four Sweet 16s and an Elite Eight run in 2017.
About USF Athletics
USF Athletics sponsors 21 varsity teams, with 20 competing at the NCAA Division I level in the American Athletic Conference. The Bulls’ athletic program, founded in 1965, celebrates its 60th season in 2025-26. USF student-athletes have achieved a program record of 22 consecutive semesters with a combined GPA of 3.0 or above as of fall 2025.
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FAQ
- Who is the new head coach of USF men’s basketball? Chris Mack.
- What is Chris Mack’s overall coaching record? 323-153 (.679).
- How many NCAA Tournament appearances has Chris Mack coached in? Nine.
Did You Know?
Chris Mack was named the 2016 national coach of the year by the United States Basketball Writers Association.
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