College of Charleston hires Winthrop’s Pat Kelsey as head coach

College of Charleston has hired Pat Kelsey to be the Cougars’ next head coach. Kelsey has been the head coach at Winthrop since 2012 and has led the Eagles to two NCAA Tournaments and four Big South titles.

“Beyond excited to welcome Pat Kelsey and his family to Charleston,” AD Matt Roberts tweeted on Thursday. “Can’t wait to work partner with him and his staff as we build a championship culture for [C of C Basketball]. Let’s Go!!!!”

Kelsey compiled a 186-95 record during his tenure in Rock City, winning 20+ games five times and finishing 3rd or better in the Big South for eight-straight seasons. Prior to Winthrop, Kelsey worked under Chris Mack at Xavier, where he also spent his college years playing for the late Skip Prosser. He started out his coaching career on Prosser’s staff at Wake Forest and stayed at Wake under Dino Gaudio.

In a lengthy Twitter post on Thursday, Kelsey thanked both Winthrop and the Rock Hill community. “I worked hard to do my part and to earn my keep,” he stated. “I wasn’t perfect but I gave you every last ounce of what I had. You, Winthrop, will always hold a special place in my heart.”

The Cougars have finished above .500 in five of the last six seasons under former head coach Earl Grant, who accepted the Boston College job earlier this month. Grant led the program to the NCAA Tournament in 2018 and the NIT in 2017.

credit to College of Charleston Athletics for the image