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
But I’m not ready for another coaching search As I’m writing this on Wednesday morning, signs are pointing rather strongly at Will Wade leaving NC State for LSU, a possibility that has been simmering behind the scenes for a while but didn’t feel real until Tuesday. Wade’s buyout, which is already low, drops to a paltry $3 million at the beginning of April, which is nothing for a big SEC school, not even a big SEC school that just spent a bundle on a football staff. The low buyout in Wade’s contract was obviously a mistake on NC State’s part but also beside the point if he’s that intent on getting back to LSU, and if he’s really leaving, then I don’t know how else you explain it other than that he just really wants to be there. NC State was going to step up and pay him more with a new contract this offseason, and I just can’t imagine there’d be that much difference between that and what LSU is willing to offer. The NIL funds might be a different story, but again, I’m not sure there’s a huge difference. This whole thing has been strange in that all of the discussion about it has been on the local level on both sides, with nothing at all from national media members. LSU hasn’t said anything about the status of its still-sitting head coach, and their season has been over for two weeks, and that alone probably tells us all we need to know. The portal opens in a couple of weeks, so one way or another, this needs to be resolved very soon. Will Wade is taking the LSU job, per reports Zam Jones, Mallory Collier enter transfer portal Pack blow lead in 7-2 loss to Camels Campbell comes to town for Tuesday showdown Offseason of tough questions ahead for NC State Pack9 drops from Top 10 following series loss at FSU Getting the conversation ready...#lsu #nc_state #transfer_portal #will_wade #zam_jones
NC State Basketball Hoop Scoop: Intel on Will Wade's Start to the Basketball Offseason NC State men’s basketball faces a significant overhaul as it prepares for the 2026-27 offseason. The team will need to make substantial changes to its roster, as nearly its entire starting lineup will become ineligible due to graduation and the conclusion of their college eligibility. Additionally, several key players are expected to transfer to other programs where they can pursue greater opportunities. This reality underscores the challenges of maintaining competitiveness in college athletics, a situation Will Wade and his coaching staff are well aware of as they plan for the upcoming season. The Wolfpack’s current roster is set to undergo a dramatic transformation, with multiple starters departing after their final seasons. This loss of talent will require Wade to rebuild the program from the ground up, focusing on recruiting and developing younger players. The coaching staff will need to prioritize identifying high-impact recruits who can step into leadership roles and contribute immediately. Wade’s experience in navigating roster transitions will be critical as he works to stabilize the program during this transitional phase. Beyond the roster changes, the offseason will also involve strategic decisions about the team’s long-term direction. Wade’s approach to player development, team culture, and competitive positioning will shape the next chapter for NC State basketball. The coaching staff will likely emphasize fundamentals, leadership, and adaptability to prepare for the challenges ahead. Meanwhile, other developments within the program include Hayden Hidlay’s return as an assistant coach for the wrestling team.#acc #nc_state #will_wade #basketball #recruiting
