NC State selects Will Wade as next head coach

RALEIGH, N.C. — A new coach is set to lead the Wolfpack at North Carolina State University.

NC State officially named Will Wade as the new head coach of its men’s basketball program on Sunday.

The announcement follows Wade’s successful tenure at McNeese State, where he guided the Cowboys to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances and consecutive Southland Conference championships. His team’s season ended Saturday in a 76-62 loss to Purdue in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Wade has agreed to a six-year deal, pending approval by the NC State Board of Trustees. He will be formally introduced as the 21st head coach next Tuesday at Reynolds Coliseum.

“I am beyond excited and honored to be chosen to lead the Wolfpack basketball program,” said Wade. “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.”

Athletics Director Boo Corrigan praised Wade’s leadership and coaching pedigree.

“I am excited and proud that Will Wade will be the next head coach for Wolfpack men’s basketball,” said Corrigan. “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.”

Wade, 42, brings 11 years of head coaching experience, including stints at McNeese, LSU, VCU, and Chattanooga. His McNeese tenure was particularly dominant, as he compiled a 50-9 overall record and a 33-1 home mark, earning consecutive Southland Conference Coach of the Year honors.

Before McNeese, Wade spent five seasons at LSU (2017-2022), leading the Tigers to four NCAA Tournament berths and an SEC regular season title in 2019. His teams won 20 or more games in three of his five seasons, and his 105 total wins rank fourth in LSU history.

Wade also led VCU to two NCAA Tournament appearances in his two seasons there and started his head coaching career at Chattanooga, where he turned the program around in two years and won Southern Conference Coach of the Year honors in 2014.

NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson called Wade a “proven leader” with a commitment to developing a strong program.

Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports first reported Wade’s agreement with NC State on Saturday.