TAMPA, MARCH 25, 2026 – South Florida wasted no time replacing Bryan Hodgson, announcing veteran head coach and 2016 national coach of the year Chris Mack as the 13th head coach in program history. The move comes less than a week after Hodgson left for Providence, and it signals USF intent to maintain — and elevate — the momentum built during its championship season.
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Mack arrives with one of the most accomplished résumés ever brought to Tampa. He owns a 323–153 (.679) career record across 15 seasons as a head coach at Xavier, Louisville, and most recently College of Charleston, where he posted back‑to‑back 20‑win seasons.
A Proven Winner With Deep NCAA Tournament Credentials
Mack has delivered 12 seasons of 20 or more wins and guided his teams to nine NCAA Tournament appearances, including four Sweet 16s and an Elite Eight run at Xavier. He is one of just 19 coaches in college basketball history to lead a program to a No. 1 AP ranking within his first two seasons.
His Xavier tenure remains one of the most successful in modern Big East and Atlantic 10 history:
- 215–97 record
- Eight NCAA Tournament appearances
- 2017–18 Big East regular‑season championship
- First No. 1 seed in school history
At Louisville, Mack guided the Cardinals to a 24–7 record and a No. 1 national ranking in 2019–20 before the postseason was canceled due to COVID‑19.
Higgins: “An Outstanding Coach and Leader”
USF CEO of Athletics Rob Higgins said Mack’s track record and roster‑building ability made him the clear choice to lead a program coming off one of its best seasons ever.
“Bulls basketball has incredible momentum, and we’ve found an outstanding coach and leader to elevate our program to the next level,” Higgins said. “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.”
Higgins also noted the unique moment for USF basketball, with Mack joining forces with women’s head coach Kristy Curry, calling it “an incredibly bright future” for Tampa Bay’s Home for Hoops.
Mack: “Truly Excited for the Opportunity”
Mack said the alignment and vision at USF made the job stand out immediately.
“I am truly excited for the opportunity to lead a South Florida basketball program that’s on an exceptional trajectory,” Mack said. “The exceptional vision and commitment Rob outlined are inspiring, and I am grateful for his trust and belief in my leadership of Bulls basketball.”
He added that he’s eager to connect with Bulls Nation, the SoFlo Rodeo, and the fans who make the Yuengling Center “such a special home court.”
A Career Built on Winning — As Player, Assistant, and Head Coach
Before becoming a head coach, Mack spent a decade on successful staffs at Xavier and Wake Forest, contributing to 229 wins, eight NCAA Tournament appearances, and multiple conference titles.
As a player at Xavier, he was a two‑time captain and part of NCAA Tournament and conference championship teams.
A New Era Begins in Tampa
With a championship roster foundation, a surging fan base, and a nationally respected coach now in place, USF moves into the post‑Hodgson era with confidence — and expectations. Mack’s arrival marks one of the most significant hires in program history, and the Bulls believe the timing is perfect.
