RALEIGH, N.C. -- North Carolina State University has announced a significant move in their men’s basketball program as they have reached an agreement with Will Wade to become the next head coach. This development, which comes just as Wade's current team at McNeese State prepares for the NCAA Tournament, marks a pivotal moment for the Wolfpack, who are looking to rebuild following a disappointing season.
The decision for Wade to take over the Wolfpack was fueled by a series of events leading to this announcement. Following the firing of former coach Kevin Keatts on March 9, 2025, the search for a new leader for NC State became an urgent priority. Keatts' tenure concluded after his team finished with a lackluster record of 12-19, including a dismal 5-15 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). NC State’s recent struggles highlighted the need for fresh leadership and a new vision for the storied basketball program.
Interestingly, Wade comes to NC State with a proven track record, having led McNeese State to an impressive 57-10 record over the past two seasons. This record includes taking the Cowboys to the NCAA Tournament, demonstrating his ability to succeed in high-pressure situations. Wade previously achieved even greater success as the head coach at LSU, where he guided the team to the Sweet 16 in 2019.
Reports confirm that Wade and NC State reached an agreement on March 19, 2025, shortly after he acknowledged having discussions with the school during a press conference. “Yes,” Wade responded when asked about the contact with NC State regarding their coaching vacancy. He addressed these rumors with his team to avoid distractions just before heading into the NCAA Tournament. "Just tell it like it is," he asserted, emphasizing the importance of transparency and open communication with his players.
The formal announcement of Wade’s hiring will not take place until McNeese State's journey in the NCAA Tournament concludes. Currently, the 12th-seeded Cowboys are set to face Wade's alma mater, Clemson, in the first round of the tournament. This scenario adds an intriguing twist to an already dynamic coaching transition.
The response from the NC State community has been one of cautious optimism. Many fans recall the team’s recent success, notably winning the ACC Tournament in 2024 and advancing to the Final Four. However, they also remember the current season’s disappointments. As Wade arrives, he faces the dual challenge of restoring pride to the Wolfpack while bringing in the necessary resources to ensure competing at the highest levels.
As NC State moves forward with Wade, the implications of hiring a coach previously entangled in controversy cannot be overlooked. Wade was once considered disgraced due to his involvement in an FBI investigation into college basketball, which led to his prior dismissal at LSU. However, the recent changes in collegiate athletics have seemingly transformed the landscape enough that his past may not hinder his return to a top-tier program.
Jay Bilas, a prominent voice in college basketball, highlighted the shifting attitudes within the sport. He criticized the inconsistency in addressing “tampering” issues among players compared to coaches in a recent social media post. “Remember, the Coaches’ Portal is always open,” he pointed out, raising questions about what loyalty looks like in today’s college sports landscape.
The underlying narrative of Wade’s hiring at NC State reflects broader themes in college basketball. As schools navigate new waters where traditional rules have shifted, the focus for athletic departments may no longer be solely about integrity, but about winning at any cost—including recruiting top talents amid an environment where previous indiscretions have been overlooked.
The key question remains whether NC State is prepared to match Wade’s ambition with adequate support and resources. While the potential for revitalizing the Wolfpack is apparent, the administration will need to commit to providing Wade with everything necessary to compete effectively not just in the ACC, but on a national scale as well.
As the basketball community watches this coaching transition unfold, one thing is clear: Will Wade’s potential arrival at NC State brings with it both promise and uncertainty. With a fanbase eager to see a return to prominence, the Wolfpack might soon find themselves once more vying for respect in the competitive world of college basketball.
The coming weeks will be crucial as fans and stakeholders await confirmation of Wade’s appointment and the strategies he plans to implement. As his tenure at McNeese concludes, all eyes will be on both him and the Wolfpack.
