Will Wade has officially been hired as head basketball coach at North Carolina State, the school announced Sunday.
The 42-year-old Wade is back in major-college basketball after sending the past two seasons at McNeese, which he led to back-to-back NCAA tournament berths. The Cowboys upset fifth-seeded Clemson in the first round of this year’s tournament, but saw their season end Saturday with a second-round loss to Purdue.
“I am excited and proud that Will Wade will be the next head coach for Wolfpack men’s basketball,” NC State athletics director Boo Corrigan said. “I went into this search with an open mind and had great conversations with several outstanding candidates from across the nation. But after speaking extensively with Will and others who know him well, I knew that he was the right leader for the Wolfpack.
“He is a tough coach with proven results on the court and he has grown and improved at every coaching stop. He is known for having great relationships with his players and he will hold them, his staff and himself accountable. Will told me that he believes that he can win at NC State … and ‘win big.’ It didn’t take me too many conversations with him to believe it too.”
Wade has won 244 games in 11 seasons as a college head coach at Chattanooga, Virginia Commonwealth, LSU and McNeese. His teams have reached the NCAA tournament seven times, including a Sweet 16 run at LSU in 2019.
Wade was fired at LSU after being found guilty of major NCAA violations, including when he was infamously caught on an FBI wiretap speaking about a “strong-ass offer” to a recruit. He served a 10-game suspension to start his tenure at McNeese and is prohibited from recruiting off-campus for any school until June.
Nevertheless, he’s a proven winner at every stop. NC State fired Kevin Keatts after a 12-19 finish this season, which came just a year after the Wolfpack made an unlikely run to the Final Four.
“I am beyond excited and honored to be chosen to lead the Wolfpack basketball program,” Wade said. “NC 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.
“I would like to thank Boo Corrigan and Chancellor (Randy Woodson for this awesome opportunity. My family and I look forward to being a part of Wolfpack nation.”
