Watch: Louisville AD Josh Heird Talks Kenny Payne Firing

The athletic director for the Cardinals discussed the decision to part ways with men's basketball head coach Kenny Payne.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Louisville is now in the market for a new men's basketball head coach.

On Wednesday, Louisville informed Kenny Payne that "he will not return next season" as head coach. A national search for the next head coach will begin immediately.

"I hired Kenny two years ago with a firm belief that he could lead our storied program back to national prominence," athletic director Josh Heird said. "I was also keenly aware that he was not stepping into an ideal situation.

"After an extremely difficult first season, I was hopeful I could see enough progress to warrant the opportunity for him to continue to lead this program for the years to come. Unfortunately, while there have been brief moment of progress, ultimately, I did not see the sustained progression I was looking for."

Payne went just 12-52 in his two years as the head coach of the Cardinals, including an 8-24 finish this season. He is responsible for two of the three 20-loss seasons in the program's history, and his .188 win percentage is the worst in the Power Six over the past two seasons.

After the decision was made to part ways with Payne, Heird took time to meet with the media. He discussed the what lead up to the decision, the upcoming coaching search, and more.

Below is the video from his press conference:

Athletic Director Josh Heird:

(Photo of Josh Heird: Matt Stone - Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK)

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