By Dalton Ray–

In the wake of Rick Pitino’s fallout, U of L President Greg Postel announced that assistant coach and former Cardinal David Padgett is the interim head coach for the 2017-18 season.

The youngest coach in program history, Padgett said he is not involved in the current FBI investigation.

“I can assure that for myself,” Padgett said. “I don’t think Dr. Postel would have the confidence to put me in this position if he was worried about anything.”

The new staff will be determined once the university hires an interim athletic director. Padgett said team could potentially be shorthanded in terms of coaches once practice starts Sunday, Oct. 1.

Padgett reiterated during the press conference that the players were his main focus. He called the players unique and resilient. Padgett wants to nurture a sense of normalcy for the team in the midst of controversy.

“At the end of the day, what it comes down to, for me personally, is the 14 guys that are in our locker room. They’ve had a tough, tough couple days but they are the reason that we’re here,” Padgett said. “Me doing this is for them.”

Padgett has been on the U of L staff since 2014, starting as an assistant video coordinator. He also worked as director of basketball operations before becoming an assistant coach.

Prior to U of L, Padgett spent three years as an assistant with IUPUI from 2011-14.

A three-year starter at U of L, Padgett transferred to Louisville after playing his freshman year at Kansas. A First Team All-Big East select, Padgett ranks second in career field goal percentage at U of L.

Considering Louisville his home, Padgett says he is confident that the city will rally around the players this season.

You can follow Dalton Ray on Twitter at @dray5477. 

Photo by Arry Schofield / The Louisville Cardinal