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WATCH: Kenny Payne answers awkward question about his job security at Louisville

by:Austin Brezina•03/07/23•

AustinBrezina59

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Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

After Louisville finished their tough season with a first-round ACC Tournament loss, coach Kenny Payne fielded an awkward postgame question. Payne, a first-year coach with the Cardinals, was asked if he had heard anything about his future with the program after finishing 4-28 on the year.

Payne clarified that he heard the question correctly before giving an awkward, but comprehensive answer about his relationship with athletic director Josh Heird.

Kenny Payne answers question about job security

“I really don’t understand,” responded Payne to the initial question. “Have I talked to Josh about my future?”

The reporter restated the question, and clarified that he didn’t mean that Payne’s job was on the chopping block. He asked if they had held any conversations about the state of the program after a tough season, and what the expectations were going forward for the future.

“I don’t think that’s a good question my friend,” answered Payne while laughing.

“I don’t know how to answer that. Of course I have not had one conversation with Josh Heird about my future. I don’t know if there is a reason to have a conversation with Josh Heird about my future. I go to work every day. I love Josh, Josh says he loves me — there’s nothing to talk about. I’ve got a job to do.”

Although Payne clearly didn’t feel that there was any need to discuss his own firing after just one year with Louisville, the season definitely ended in rough fashion. The Cardinals managed a 4-28 record on the season — their worst win total since 1940-41 when they went 2-14. Since the 1942-43 season, Louisville has won double-digit games every year until this season.

Payne was brought in to coach Louisville after the school parted ways with coach Chris Mack, after failing to reach the previous two NCAA Tournaments.