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 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, has an impressive career record of 323-153. He has led his teams to 12 seasons with 20 or more wins and made nine NCAA Tournament appearances, including four Sweet 16s and one Elite Eight.
Before joining USF, Mack had notable stints at College of Charleston, Louisville, and Xavier. At Louisville, his team was ranked No. 1 for multiple weeks during the 2019-20 season, showcasing his ability to lead competitive programs.
In his own words, Mack expressed his excitement: “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.”
Rob Higgins, the athletic director, praised Mack’s hiring, stating, “Bulls basketball has incredible momentum, and we’ve found an outstanding coach and leader to elevate our program to the next level.” This sentiment reflects the optimism surrounding Mack’s potential impact on the team.
Mack’s hiring replaces Bryan Hodgson, who coached the Bulls for just one season. The transition aims to build on the recent successes and further enhance the program’s reputation.
With a coaching resume spanning 15 years and over 300 career wins, Mack’s experience is expected to be invaluable as he takes the reins at USF. His previous accolades include being named Coach of the Year in both the Big East and Atlantic 10 conferences.
As the Bulls prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will be on Mack’s leadership and vision for the future. His commitment to the program is evident, as he stated, “The exceptional vision and commitment Rob outlined are inspiring, and I am grateful for his trust and belief in my leadership of Bulls basketball.”
With Chris Mack and Kristy Curry leading the men’s and women’s programs, respectively, the future looks promising for USF basketball. The Tampa Bay area is poised for an exciting era of collegiate hoops.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific strategies Mack will implement, but the anticipation surrounding his appointment is palpable.
