Will Wade Poised to Take Helm at North Carolina State Amidst Controversy and Redemption Arc
Will Wade, the head basketball coach of McNeese State, is reportedly on the verge of accepting the head coaching position at North Carolina State University, marking a significant return to the upper echelons of collegiate basketball after a tumultuous period marred by NCAA violations and sanctions. Multiple sources indicate that an agreement is in place, with the official announcement expected following McNeese State’s current postseason journey.
The move signifies a dramatic turn of events for both Wade and the Wolfpack. Wade, once a rising star whose career trajectory was derailed by allegations of improper recruiting practices during his tenure at LSU, now has an opportunity to rehabilitate his image and re-establish himself as a prominent figure in the coaching landscape. For North Carolina State, the hiring represents a calculated risk, entrusting their program to a coach with a proven track record of success but also a history that raises questions about compliance and ethical conduct.
Wade’s journey to this point has been anything but conventional. After rapidly ascending through the coaching ranks, with successful stints as an assistant at VCU during their memorable Final Four run and as a head coach at Chattanooga and VCU, he landed the coveted head coaching job at LSU. During his five seasons in Baton Rouge, Wade compiled an impressive 105-51 record, leading the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament in every year but his first. The pinnacle of his LSU tenure came in 2019 when the team captured the SEC championship and advanced to the Sweet 16.
However, the 2019 season was also when the shadows began to creep in. Reports surfaced detailing Wade’s alleged involvement in offering financial inducements to recruits, stemming from an FBI wiretap that captured him discussing a "strong-ass offer" to a prospective player. While Wade initially denied any wrongdoing, the allegations triggered an internal investigation and a brief suspension. Despite the cloud hanging over the program, Wade remained at the helm for three more seasons as the NCAA investigation intensified.
The reckoning finally arrived in March 2022 when LSU terminated Wade’s contract after receiving a notice of allegations from the NCAA. The allegations painted a damning picture of Wade’s conduct, accusing him of engaging in deliberate and planned efforts to provide illegal benefits to players. The dismissal effectively sidelined Wade from the coaching world for a year.
In a surprising turn, Wade resurfaced in March 2023, accepting the head coaching position at McNeese State University, a program far removed from the spotlight of major conference basketball. Undeterred by the sanctions looming over him, Wade embraced the challenge of rebuilding the Cowboys program. Months later, he received a 10-game suspension and a two-year show-cause penalty from the NCAA’s now-defunct Independent Accountability Resolution Process.
Despite the limitations imposed by the NCAA, Wade orchestrated a remarkable turnaround at McNeese State. In just two seasons, he transformed the Cowboys into a dominant force in the Southland Conference, amassing an impressive 49-8 record and leading them to back-to-back conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. This year, McNeese earned a No. 12 seed and is set to face No. 5 seed Clemson in the first round of the Midwest Region.
During a recent press conference, Wade confirmed that he had been in contact with North Carolina State officials following the dismissal of former coach Kevin Keatts. Keatts, who led the Wolfpack to a Cinderella run to the Final Four in 2024 after squeaking into the NCAA Tournament as one of the last at-large teams, received a contract extension for his efforts. However, the team failed to replicate that success this past season, finishing with a disappointing 12-19 record and failing to qualify for the ACC tournament after a last place finish in league play.
The decision to pursue Wade underscores North Carolina State’s desire to regain its status as a perennial contender in the ACC. Despite the controversy surrounding his past, Wade’s coaching acumen and track record of success are undeniable. He possesses a keen eye for talent, an ability to develop players, and a proven ability to build winning programs. However, the hiring also carries significant risks. Wade’s past transgressions will undoubtedly be scrutinized, and North Carolina State will need to implement robust compliance measures to ensure that the program operates within the bounds of NCAA rules.
The hiring of Will Wade also sparks a broader conversation about the role of redemption in college athletics. Should coaches who have been found to have violated NCAA rules be given a second chance? What factors should be considered when evaluating a coach with a checkered past? These are complex questions with no easy answers.
Ultimately, the success of Wade’s tenure at North Carolina State will depend on his ability to learn from his past mistakes and build a program that is both successful and compliant. He will need to demonstrate a commitment to ethical conduct and a willingness to abide by the rules. If he can do that, he may be able to redeem his reputation and solidify his place as one of the top coaches in college basketball. If not, the hiring could prove to be a costly mistake for North Carolina State.
