NC State Basketball to Part Ways with Coach Kevin Keatts Despite Recent Final Four Run
In a surprising turn of events, NC State University has announced that head men’s basketball coach Kevin Keatts will not be returning for the upcoming season. The decision comes just a year after Keatts orchestrated a remarkable postseason run that culminated in a Final Four appearance, securing him a contract extension and seemingly solidifying his position with the program.
Athletic Director Boo Corrigan released a statement expressing gratitude for Keatts’ contributions to NC State, acknowledging his dedication and the class he consistently demonstrated while representing the university. Corrigan specifically highlighted the extraordinary achievements of the 2023-24 squad, emphasizing that their Final Four journey would forever hold a special place in Wolfpack history. He extended best wishes to Keatts and his family for their future endeavors.
The announcement has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, particularly given the recency of NC State’s improbable success. Just a year ago, Keatts was facing intense scrutiny and speculation about his job security. The Wolfpack’s performance throughout the regular season had been underwhelming, leaving many questioning whether Keatts was the right person to lead the program forward.
However, in a stunning display of resilience and determination, NC State defied all expectations during the ACC Tournament. They embarked on an unprecedented run, winning five consecutive games in five days to capture the tournament title and secure an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. This unexpected triumph not only saved Keatts’ job but also ignited a spark that would propel the Wolfpack to even greater heights.
As an 11th seed in the NCAA Tournament, NC State was widely considered an underdog. Few predicted that they would advance beyond the first weekend, let alone make a deep run into the tournament. But the Wolfpack, fueled by a newfound confidence and a relentless team spirit, defied the odds at every turn.
They navigated through the early rounds with poise and precision, dispatching higher-seeded opponents with impressive efficiency. Their signature victory came in the regional final, where they faced off against their ACC rival, the Duke Blue Devils. In a hard-fought and emotionally charged contest, NC State emerged victorious, punching their ticket to the Final Four for the first time in decades.
The Final Four appearance was a momentous occasion for NC State basketball. It brought renewed excitement and national attention to the program, reminding fans of the Wolfpack’s rich basketball tradition. Keatts was lauded for his coaching acumen and his ability to inspire his players to perform at their best under pressure. As a reward for their remarkable achievements, Keatts was granted a two-year contract extension, extending his tenure through the 2030 season.
However, the euphoria surrounding the Final Four run proved to be short-lived. With several key players from that team departing, either through graduation or the transfer portal, the Wolfpack struggled to replicate their success in the subsequent season.
The 2024-25 campaign was marked by inconsistency and disappointment. The team struggled to find its rhythm, plagued by injuries and an inability to close out close games. Their record of 12-19 reflected their struggles, and their season came to an end with a loss to Miami in the second round of the ACC Tournament.
Despite the recent struggles, Keatts leaves NC State with a respectable record. Over his eight seasons in Raleigh, he compiled an overall record of 151-113 and a 69-84 mark in ACC play. He guided the Wolfpack to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and achieved the program’s first Final Four berth in over three decades.
The decision to part ways with Keatts raises questions about the expectations placed on college basketball coaches, particularly in the current environment of heightened competition and increased player mobility. While the Final Four run undoubtedly raised the bar for the program, the subsequent struggles highlight the challenges of maintaining consistent success in college basketball.
NC State now faces the task of finding a new head coach to lead the men’s basketball program. The search is expected to be extensive, with the university likely to consider a wide range of candidates with varying levels of experience. The new coach will inherit a program with a proud history and a passionate fan base, but also one that faces significant challenges in a highly competitive conference. The next chapter of NC State basketball is sure to be an interesting one.
