Will Wade back to LSU: Ex-Tigers coach returning after one season at NC State Will Wade is set to return to LSU as head coach after one season at NC State, according to CBS Sports. The Tigers have been actively pursuing their former coach following NC State’s NCAA Tournament exit, aiming to reinvigorate the program by bringing back the last coach to lead LSU to a postseason appearance. LSU is expected to part ways with current head coach Matt McMahon on Thursday. Wade, who previously coached LSU from 2018 to 2022, is anticipated to be formally introduced as the Tigers’ new coach later in the week. Wade’s departure from NC State comes after a season marked by challenges, including a first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Texas. Despite his initial dismissal of LSU rumors, the move appears inevitable as LSU seeks to capitalize on his track record. During his tenure at LSU, Wade guided the team to three NCAA Tournament appearances in five seasons, though one season was canceled due to the 2020 pandemic. His return to Baton Rouge follows a contentious exit from LSU in 2022, when the program faced NCAA allegations tied to alleged rule violations during his five-year tenure. The buyout terms for Wade’s contract with NC State are significant: $5 million remains due, but the figure drops to $3 million after April 1. With the college basketball transfer portal opening in early April, Wade’s focus will shift to reshaping LSU’s roster. The Tigers’ current roster includes several returning players, such as Michael Nwoko, Jalen Reed, and Dedan Thomas, who averaged 15.3 points and 6.5 assists as a junior before sustaining an injury. However, key contributors like Max Mckinnon and Marquel Sutton will not be available for Wade’s next season.#lsu #nc_state #will_wade #matt_mcmahon #heath_schroyer
