Will Wade signs six-year deal to coach N.C. State

In Raleigh, North Carolina, McNeese State coach Will Wade has officially been hired as the new head coach of N.C. State men's basketball. This announcement came shortly after his team suffered a second-round loss to Purdue in the NCAA Tournament on March 23, 2025. Wade's signing of a six-year deal was reported by several news outlets, including CBS Sports, following the momentous loss in the tournament. Wade's appointment follows the firing of former coach Kevin Keatts, who had a tumultuous final season that ended with a disappointing 12-19 record. Despite leading his team to its first Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament title in decades and a memorable Final Four run in the previous season, the lack of success this year prompted N.C. State's athletic department to seek a fresh start. Wade is viewed as a potential fit for rebuilding the program based on his proven track record and emphasis on accountability. Prior to his successful stint with the McNeese Cowboys, where he led the team to significant victories, including back-to-back Southland Conference championships, Wade has had a varied coaching career that includes positions at Chattanooga, VCU, and LSU. His tenure at LSU ended controversially due to an FBI investigation into bribery in college basketball; however, he was able to bounce back and rejuvenate his coaching reputation at McNeese. Wade's coaching style and ability to build rapport with players have made him a sought-after candidate despite past controversies. In the announcement, N.C. State Athletic Director Boo Corrigan expressed excitement about Wade's hiring, praising his dedication to fostering a supportive culture for student-athletes. Wade himself expressed eagerness to embrace the challenge at N.C. State, mentioning the passionate fan base and rich tradition of the program. As Wade embarks on this new chapter, he has conveyed his belief in the potential of N.C. State basketball to achieve significant success in the near future.