Pat Kelsey resigns from Xavier
2:17 PM, May. 16, 2011


Enquirer file photo
Pat Kelsey (right) said he struggled with the decision but has chosen to step away from college coaching.

Written by
Shannon Russell
srussell@enquirer.com

Two-year Xavier associate head basketball coach Pat Kelsey has resigned for personal reasons, the school announced today.

Kelsey, 36, said he struggled with the decision but has chosen to step away from college coaching.

“Four years ago, I witnessed first-hand Coach (Skip) Prosser's death in the basketball office at Wake Forest,” Kelsey said in a release. “That day, my perspective on the profession and life was forever altered. My role as a father and husband is everything to me and the rigors of this business can make that challenging. My family and my health come first.”

Kelsey and his wife, Lisa, have two daughters: Ruthie, 3, and Caroline, 2.

After 10 years with XU and Wake Forest hoops programs, Kelsey’s talent, success and work ethic made him an attractive head coaching candidate. He was the frontrunner in the Towson University opening this offseason before withdrawing his name from contention, The Baltimore Sun said.

Kelsey was also linked to Charlotte’s vacancy last spring.

The former point guard, who played for Prosser as an undergrad, worked with Xavier’s post players and was a respected recruiter.

Coach Chris Mack said Kelsey was like a brother to him and will be missed.

“Nowadays, college basketball is 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and the balance between career and family can be difficult. I respect and, in many ways, understand his decision to put family first. Kels will always be part of the Xavier basketball family even as he moves in a different direction professionally,” Mack said. “I want to thank him for his help making me a better coach in my first two years leading Xavier basketball.”

Mack is evaluating his staffing options but is in no hurry to find a replacement. “We’ll do what’s best for our program,” Mack said. “Time is on our side. I don’t need someone to be sitting in that chair next week.”

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