UMass looking for a new coach again after Kelsey changes mind

Xavier grad says he’s returning to Winthrop

Credit: David Jablonski - Staff Writer

Credit: David Jablonski - Staff Writer

One Atlantic 10 Conference program finds itself looking for a new coach for the second time this week.

Massachusetts announced Tuesday it was hiring Cincinnati native and Xavier grad Pat Kelsey, the head coach at Winthrop. He arrived in Amherst on Wednesday, posed for photos and was all set to be introduced at a press conference Thursday.

At the last minute, Kelsey changed his mind, telling reporters, “It wasn’t the place for him.” According to reports, he will return to Winthrop.

Kelsey expressed his excitement about the UMass job Tuesday on Twitter, writing, “So excited to be a part of the rich tradition of @UMassBasketball. I may fall over when I meet Dr. J. Can't wait to get to Amherst!”

UMass fired coach Derek Kellogg after the season. The hiring of Kelsey, who guided Winthrop to the NCAA tournament this season, was seen as a smart move. Now UMass is back to square one.

🏀🏀 pic.twitter.com/qL2anEUMYQ— UMass Basketball (@UMassBasketball) March 23, 2017

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