“We’re going to win and we’re going to win big at NC State,” declared Will Wade, the head coach of NC State, as he addressed the media following a challenging first season.
Wade, who previously led LSU from 2017 to 2022, has a storied coaching career, including three NCAA Tournament appearances with the Tigers. However, his tenure at LSU ended amid controversy, as he was fired in March 2022 due to NCAA allegations.
After signing a lucrative six-year contract worth over $17 million with NC State, Wade’s first season saw the team finish with a record of 20-14. Despite this, the season concluded on a disappointing note, with NC State losing eight of their last ten games.
Reflecting on his journey, Wade stated, “Let me be very clear: I’m excited at NC State.” He emphasized that building a successful program would take time, saying, “This wasn’t going to take one year.” His commitment to the team is evident, but the pressure to perform remains high.
As Wade navigates his new role, questions about his future linger. If he were to leave NC State before April 1, 2026, he would owe the university a $5 million buyout, which decreases to $3 million after that date.
Meanwhile, Matt McMahon, who replaced Wade at LSU, has struggled to find success, failing to reach the NCAA Tournament in his tenure. This situation adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing coaching rumors surrounding Wade.
Wade’s career coaching record stands at an impressive 266-119 over 12 seasons, showcasing his ability to lead teams to victory. His largest margin of victory at NC State was a commanding 82-58 win against rival North Carolina.
As the basketball season progresses, details remain unconfirmed regarding whether Wade will consider a return to LSU. The uncertainty surrounding Matt McMahon’s job security at LSU further complicates the narrative.
With the stakes high and expectations mounting, all eyes will be on Wade as he seeks to solidify his legacy at NC State while navigating the challenges ahead.