History of Kenny Payne in Timeline

Kenneth Victor Payne is an American college basketball coach and former player. He is currently the associate head coach at the University of Arkansas. Payne was the head coach at the University of Louisville and an assistant coach for the New York Knicks. As a player, he was part of the 1986 NCAA championship team at Louisville and was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1989.

November 25, 1966: Kenny Payne's Birth

Kenny Payne was born on November 25, 1966.

1986: NCAA Championship Victory

In 1986, Kenny Payne, as a freshman at the University of Louisville, was part of the team that won the NCAA championship against Duke.

1989: Completion of College Basketball Career

In 1989, Kenny Payne concluded his college basketball career at the University of Louisville, where he had been a starting player for his last two years.

1989: Beginning of NBA Career

Kenny Payne began his NBA career in 1989 playing for the Philadelphia 76ers.

1989: NBA Draft

Kenny Payne was drafted into the NBA in 1989 by the Philadelphia 76ers as the 19th overall pick.

January 1993: Departure from Philadelphia 76ers

In January 1993, Kenny Payne was released by the Philadelphia 76ers. The team's general manager, aiming to save money, decided to waive Payne, believing he would no longer be a regular player in the team's rotation.

2004: Start of Coaching Career at University of Oregon

In 2004, Kenny Payne started his coaching career as assistant coach for the University of Oregon.

2009: End of Tenure at University of Oregon

Kenny Payne finished his time as assistant coach for the University of Oregon in 2009.

2010: Joined University of Kentucky as Assistant Coach

In 2010, Kenny Payne joined the University of Kentucky as an assistant coach.

2012: Consideration for Head Coach Position at Mississippi State University

Kenny Payne was considered for the head coach position at Mississippi State University in 2012 but ultimately, he was not offered the job.

2014: Promotion to Associate Head Coach at University of Kentucky

Kenny Payne was promoted to associate head coach at the University of Kentucky in 2014.

August 11, 2020: Joining New York Knicks as Assistant Coach

On August 11, 2020, Kenny Payne was hired as an assistant coach for the New York Knicks under head coach Tom Thibodeau.

2020: End of Tenure at University of Kentucky

In 2020, Kenny Payne finished his time at the University of Kentucky.

March 18, 2022: Appointment as Head Coach at University of Louisville

On March 18, 2022, Kenny Payne was introduced as the new head men's basketball coach at the University of Louisville.

2023: Termination as Head Coach at University of Louisville

After the 2023-24 season, Kenny Payne was fired from his position as head coach at the University of Louisville. His tenure concluded with a disappointing overall record of 12-52, including a 5-35 record in conference games. During his two seasons, the Cardinals consistently finished last in the ACC standings.

2023: Fanbase Frustration and Calls for Termination

During the fall of 2023, there was growing frustration and anger among the fanbase regarding Kenny Payne's performance as head coach. Calls for his termination escalated, manifesting in various forms such as an open petition, a dedicated website, trending social media posts, and even a song titled "Fire Kenny Payne" by Jonathan Hay.