On March 25, 2026, the University of South Florida (USF) made a significant announcement that has the local sports community buzzing: Chris Mack has been hired as the 13th head coach of the USF Bulls men’s basketball team. This decision comes on the heels of a successful season for the Bulls, who have won over 20 games in two of the past three seasons.
Chris Mack, at 56 years old, brings a wealth of experience to the role, boasting a career record of 323-153. His impressive coaching resume includes leading teams to 12 seasons with 20 or more wins and making nine NCAA Tournament appearances, including four Sweet 16 appearances and one Elite Eight appearance.
Prior to joining USF, Mack had notable stints as the head coach at College of Charleston, Louisville, and Xavier. His time at Louisville was particularly remarkable, as his team was ranked No. 1 for multiple weeks during the 2019-20 season. Mack’s accolades also include being named Coach of the Year in both the Big East in 2018 and the Atlantic 10 in 2011.
In his first statement as head coach, Mack expressed his enthusiasm for 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.”
Rob Higgins, the athletic director at USF, echoed Mack’s sentiments, stating, “Bulls basketball has incredible momentum, and we’ve found an outstanding coach and leader to elevate our program to the next level.” This partnership is expected to bring renewed energy and focus to the Bulls as they aim to build on their recent successes.
Mack replaces Bryan Hodgson, who coached the Bulls for just one season. The decision to bring in Mack is seen as a strategic move to harness the existing momentum within the program and to further develop the talent pool at USF.
As the community rallies around this new chapter for the Bulls, the excitement is palpable. With Chris Mack and Kristy Curry leading the men’s and women’s programs respectively, Tampa Bay’s Home for Hoops is poised for an incredibly bright future.
As the Bulls prepare for the upcoming season, fans and players alike are eager to see how Mack’s leadership will shape the team and its aspirations. The local community is hopeful that Mack’s proven track record will translate into success on the court.
With such a strong foundation and a visionary coach at the helm, the future of USF basketball looks promising. The Bulls are ready to take the next step, and Chris Mack is the man to lead them there.
