RALEIGH, N.C. — N.C. State has announced a significant decision, naming Will Wade, previously at McNeese, as their new men’s basketball coach. This announcement came after Wade’s McNeese squad faced a second-round defeat against Purdue in the NCAA Tournament.
Wade is set to be introduced officially at a news conference on Tuesday. Unlike many in his position, Wade was open about his discussions with N.C. State, contrasting the usual ambiguity surrounding such negotiations. The hiring, which has been an open secret, has Wade signing a six-year contract, awaiting approval from the university trustees.
N.C. State’s athletic director, Boo Corrigan, expressed confidence in Wade’s ability to lead the team to success. “Will told me that he believes that he can win at NC State … and ‘win big,'” Corrigan stated. “It didn’t take me too many conversations with him to believe it too.”
Wade’s tenure with McNeese has been notable, including a victory over his alma mater, Clemson, before falling to Purdue. His coaching journey follows a challenging period, having been dismissed from LSU amid allegations of recruiting violations linked to a 2017 federal corruption investigation involving multiple institutions, including N.C. State.
Taking on N.C. State presents both challenges and opportunities. The Atlantic Coast Conference is undergoing a transition with several high-profile coaching retirements, offering both obstacles and potential for new rivalries. With 13 NCAA championships between UNC, Duke, and N.C. State, Wade steps into a competitive environment where local rivalries are intense.
Despite these challenges, the 42-year-old Wade, who has achieved eight 20-win seasons across his 11-year coaching career, remains unfazed. “I am beyond excited and honored to be chosen to lead the Wolfpack basketball program,” Wade expressed. “N.C. State’s rich tradition, passionate fan base, and location in one of the best cities in the country make this a destination job and I can’t wait to get started.”
Wade replaces Kevin Keatts, who was relieved of his duties after eight years. Although Keatts had led them to an Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament title and a Final Four appearance, a disappointing current season record of 12-19 led to his dismissal. N.C. State had to accommodate Keatts’s contract buyout, with financial implications amounting to $6.9 million, influencing the program’s reset under the new NIL revenue landscape.
Wade’s coaching history includes successful stints at Chattanooga and VCU, with LSU winning the Southeastern Conference regular-season title during his tenure. After a hiatus, he took the helm at McNeese in 2023, overcoming initial penalties to lead his team to an impressive turnaround, achieving 58 triumphs in two seasons.