Kenny Payne addresses Louisville coaching rumors

by:Mrs. Tyler Thompson01/15/18

@MrsTylerKSR

Kenny Payne’s name has been floated around as a potential replacement for David Padgett at Louisville; however, this morning, the former Cardinal great put a stop that speculation, which he says is unfair to Padgett.

“I have love for Louisville, but I have an obligation and love for the University of Kentucky and those guys in the locker room. It’s unfair to Coach Padgett, who is doing an unbelievable job at that university in a tough situation. Really tough. There are veteran coaches that can’t do what he’s doing right now. To put together and get that group to believe — there’s going to be some adversity. There are some ups and downs in every season. He’s done a great job. It’s unfair to him to have any coach mentioned or any situation mentioned other than do the best job for that school right now.”

Hilariously, Payne said that Kentucky’s players didn’t even realize he went to Louisville until Rick Bozich’s story came out a few weeks back.

“You won’t believe this: the players didn’t even know I went to Louisville. And when they did find out, they thought I was a football player.”

Payne admitted that one day, he “definitely” wants to be a head coach, but given his situation at Kentucky, he’s in no rush.

“Of course. Definitely. But I have a great job. I’m not in a rush. I’m not taking a bad job. I love what I do. I’m blessed to be working with a man like Coach Cal, who is a good man. I’m blessed to be working with young men that are exceptional young men that are similar to me: dream chasers. [Guys] that are out trying to do something special. And I don’t take that lightly. So, when the right time comes, it does; if it doesn’t, I can live with it.”

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