Examining Contenders: Will Louisville #BringBeardHome, or go a different direction?

Cardinal Confidential takes an in-depth examination into the merits of the possible leading contenders to replace embattled basketball coach Kenny Payne

Will Louisville administrators make another lazy basketball coaching hire? 

To be quite accurate, Louisville decision makers were beyond lazy two years ago when they hired Kenny Payne as Chris Mack’s replacement.

That choice, based on political considerations rather than merit, was nothing short of negligent, and the results prove the point:

10-43 overall record.  

3-27 ACC record. 

Cratering attendance. Basketball revenue short of ‘conservative’ budgetary projections. Louisville basketball is rapidly losing support and national relevance every passing second. 

Those are the chief reasons Louisville must aim — and deliver — a coaching star this time around. Potential replacements for Kenny Payne are being tossed around left, right and center as the clock ticks down on a third straight losing season in Mudville. 

Who are the Home Run hires on the board for Louisville?

Which candidates would be uninspiring, but safe replacements for Kenny Payne?

What potential candidate could prove a disastrous third strike for Louisville administrators?

Is an out-side-the-box hire possible? If so, who?

Cardinal Confidential sorts through Louisville’s potential field of coaching candidates and weighs in on the merits (and questions) of each coach ……..