Chris Mack acknowledges he's out as Louisville Cardinals men's basketball coach

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Chris Mack told reporters Wednesday that he isn't bitter at all, following his expected departure as Louisville men's basketball coach.

Mack spoke before the board of trustees and the University of Louisville Athletic Association approved his separation agreement. Sources told ESPN that the two sides negotiated a lower amount as part of the agreement, but the contract Mack signed called for a $12 million buyout.

Mack said it was a hard place to be.

According to sources, the sides agreed the place had become too toxic for Mack to continue as athletic director.

It was time for Mack and Heird to go in a different direction, according to sources.

It has been building. I still want the best for Louisville. Mack said that that is not going to change. These guys need to be connected. If I am not the right person, I will be humble enough. Just want the best for them. They are great kids. I loved my team at Louisville. My kids liked it here. I don't harbor bitterness.

After a road defeat at Virginia on Monday, Louisville dropped to 11-9, their fifth loss in six games. Mack was suspended without pay for the first six games of the season, and Louisville is now 6-8 since his return.

The relationship between Mack and the fans deteriorated after the Cards missed out on the NCAA tournament.

I love them. Mack said he loves them and they want to win. I do too. I am not bitter at all. I have a great life. I'm good.

Mack said several times over the past month that he was having trouble getting through to his team, at one point saying "this team has been impossible for us to figure out."

After Louisville lost to Notre Dame on Saturday, senior forward Malik Williams was asked if the players were still responding to the coaching staff.

Williams didn't have a comment for that.

Mack was hired after nine seasons at Xavier. He led Louisville to the NCAA tournament in his first season and finished second in the conference in his second. The tournament was canceled because of the coronaviruses.

Louisville missed out on the NCAA tournament last season. The final two months of the season saw the collapse of theCardinals.

The NCAA amended a previous notice of allegations against Louisville to include three alleged violations by the men's basketball program. The firing of Gaudio resulted in Gaudio attempting to extort Mack. Gaudio told Mack he would expose violations if he didn't pay the rest of his salary.

The NCAA alleged that Mack either participated in, condoned, or negligently disregarded violations involving graduate assistants and others participation in practice as well as the creation and use of personalized recruiting videos and aids.

Mack did not demonstrate that he promoted an atmosphere for compliance.

Mack was suspended for the first six games of the season for not following university guidelines.

The rest of the season is expected to be an interim one for Louisville, as associate head coach Mike Pegues takes over for Mack.

Mack coached with Mike for 10 years. He is special. He deserves an opportunity like this. I thought he would do a great job while I was out.