After relieving former head coach Kevin Keatts of his duties, the message was clear for NC State men’s basketball — the Wolfpack is elevating its expectations and expects to win consistently. Despite reaching a Final Four and winning an ACC Championship, Keatts couldn’t sustain success. There are few coaches in college basketball that win annually and are also looking for new opportunities. However, there is one available option that checks every box — McNeese State head coach Will Wade.
Wade has 11 years of head coaching experience at four different schools and has produced a winning record every single season. Winning at least 18 games every season, Wade is a proven option for the Wolfpack to consider. One of the things that plagued Keatts was a pair of seasons where the Pack bottomed out and finished with just 11 and 12 wins in 2021-22 and 2024-25, respectively.
Additionally, Wade has proven success at the highest levels of college basketball, shining in the SEC for five seasons at LSU. Wade posted an impressive 55-33 record in SEC play and won the 2019 SEC regular season title. Wade’s success in the SEC is something that no other realistic candidate for the Pack’s head coaching position can offer. With experience against some of college basketball’s best competition, Wade has a unique advantage that would aid him as he adjusts to the ACC.
Wade has not only succeeded at LSU, but he’s also won at three major schools. With stops at Chattanooga and VCU before LSU and now coaching at McNeese State, Wade has turned each program into a winner. Wade earned a pair of second-place finishes with Chattanooga in the Southern Conference before making two NCAA Tournament appearances at VCU. Now, at McNeese State, Wade has the Cowboys rolling. Last season, Wade’s Cowboys went 22-2 in games he coached, and they are now 25-6 this season.
With so many positives to Wade’s resume, it’s hard to believe that he’ll be at McNeese State for much longer. The only reason Wade isn’t already coaching a major program is recruiting violations from his time at LSU. After allegations of being involved in facilitating cash payments to multiple potential basketball recruits, Wade was fired from LSU in March 2022. With the NCAA allowing revenue sharing as early as this summer and letting schools directly compensate student athletes, concerns regarding Wade’s past violations are less pertinent.
With revenue sharing on the horizon, it is more important than ever for NC State to commit to its basketball program. Investing in a quality head coach is just the first step for the Wolfpack to maximize its potential. Regardless of who the Pack names as its next head coach, NC State must also invest heavily in resources to set the new coach up for success. Maximizing revenue sharing, providing enough money for excellent assistant coaches and investing in practice facilities will all be key.
It’s rare that college basketball programs have the opportunity to sign a proven head coach like Wade. With 11 winning seasons, five regular season and conference tournament championships and a .700 career record, there is no doubt that Wade can elevate a program like NC State. Without a doubt, Will Wade is the answer at head coach for the Wolfpack.
