On March 25, 2026, Chris Mack was officially hired as the 13th head coach of the University of South Florida (USF) men’s basketball team. This significant appointment comes after a successful season for the Bulls, who have won over 20 games in two of the past three seasons.
Mack, who is 56 years old, brings a rich coaching history to the role, with a career record of 323-153. His impressive resume includes leading teams to 12 seasons with 20 or more wins and making nine NCAA Tournament appearances, which includes four Sweet 16 appearances and one Elite Eight appearance.
Prior to joining USF, Mack served as head coach at notable programs such as College of Charleston, Louisville, and Xavier. His tenure at Louisville was particularly noteworthy, as his team was ranked No. 1 for multiple weeks during the 2019-20 season. He has also been recognized for his coaching prowess, having been named Coach of the Year in both the Big East in 2018 and the Atlantic 10 in 2011.
In his new role, Mack replaces Bryan Hodgson, who coached the Bulls for just one season. Rob Higgins, the athletic director, expressed confidence in Mack’s ability to elevate the program, stating, “Bulls basketball has incredible momentum, and we’ve found an outstanding coach and leader to elevate our program to the next level.”
Mack himself expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, saying, “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.”
This hiring is significant not only for the USF Bulls but also for the broader college basketball landscape, as Mack is one of only 19 coaches to lead their team to a No. 1 ranking within the first two years at their school.
As the Bulls look to build on their recent successes, Mack’s experience and track record of winning will be crucial in guiding the team forward. With both Chris Mack and Kristy Curry leading the men’s and women’s programs, the future looks bright for basketball in Tampa Bay.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific strategies Mack plans to implement, but the excitement surrounding his hiring is palpable among fans and stakeholders alike.