Louisville athletics director Josh Heird has heard many people complaining about the state of the Louisville basketball program recently, with many people wanting Kenny Payne to be let go as the coach.

The Cardinals are 5-7 on the season after losing to Kentucky 95-76 at the KFC Yum Center on Thursday night in Louisville. Despite the loss, Heird is standing behind coach Payne, at least for now.

“Kenny, and I have had a number of conversations throughout the last week, and Kenny is going to serve as our head coach as we move into the new year,” Heird said Friday. “And I’m going to do what I do with every one of our programs, which is evaluate what’s happening throughout the season.”

Last season, Louisville finished 4-28, so the team has won more game this year than all of last season. Payne was a former assistant for Kentucky coach John Calipari, who voiced his opinion saying he hopes Louisville keeps Payne around, and thinks they are close.

“I feel for him,” Calipari told reporters after the game. “He’s gonna be fine. And I’ll tell you that when they love you that much, and how they’re responding to them, it’s just a matter of time and again. I would just say stay with him and let him do what he does. Players love them. Kenny’s like my brother.”

The Cardinals will be off until Jan. 3, when they hit the road to take on No. 22 Virginia.