Chris Mack has carved out a notable career in college basketball, leading teams to success at Xavier, Louisville, and now the College of Charleston. His coaching journey also comes with a paycheck that’s shifted dramatically over the years. Here’s a breakdown of what he used to make and what he potentially makes now.
From Cincinnati to Charleston: Tracking Chris Mack’s Earnings over the Years
Mack’s rise began at Xavier University, where he coached from 2009 to 2018. His pay grew steadily as he turned the Musketeers into a force. By his last season in 2017-18, he pulled in around $1.6 million a year, according to USA TODAY. That landed him 55th among NCAA Tournament coaches.
After that, he joined Louisville in March 2018. The Cardinals handed him a seven-year contract worth $4 million annually, as ESPN reported. Overnight, he jumped to seventh on the national pay scale for college basketball coaches.
The deal dangled extra cash too, $250,000 raise in 2021 and 2023 if he hit the Sweet 16. But his run ended early. In January 2022, Louisville cut ties, settling on a $4.8 million buyout instead of the original $12 million. He’s still cashing monthly checks of $133,333.33 through January 2025.
In April 2024, Mack took the helm at the College of Charleston with a five-year deal pegged at $1.1 million a year, per the Associated Press. It’s a step down from Louisville’s numbers, but bonuses sweeten the pot: $150,000 for an NCAA title, $5,000 for an NIT berth.
If he bolts early, he’d owe $1.5 million in the first two years. If Charleston fires him, they’d cover the full remaining contract.
Right now, Mack’s potential base sits at $1.1 million, boosted by those Louisville buyout payments. His peak was $4 million at Louisville, with Xavier’s $1.6 million as a solid middle ground.
Mack recently squashed rumors of a Xavier return. On X, he told “Cougar Nation,” “Just about a year ago my family joined me at Cistern Yard to celebrate the start of something special here in Charleston. You have been incredibly supportive from day one.”
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He’s locked in for year two, aiming to build on a 24-9 debut season.
No NCAA Tournament yet, but a third-place CAA finish shows promise. Xavier, meanwhile, hunts for a new coach after Sean Miller’s exit. Mack’s past there, eight NCAA trips in nine years, won’t be reprised. He’s all in at Charleston.
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