Will Wade opts to 'go home,' leaves NC State to join LSU

Field Level Media|published: Thu 26th March, 14:07 2026

NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament First Four Practice

Mar 16, 2026; Dayton, OH, USA; NC State Wolfpack head coach Will Wade speaks with the media during a practice session ahead of the first four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at University of Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Will Wade announced over social media on Thursday that he is leaving his job as the head coach at North Carolina State to return to the same post at LSU.

Wade, 43, previously was the head coach of the Tigers from 2017-22, guiding the program to three NCAA Tournament appearances in those five seasons. He had an overall record of 105-51 and a Southeastern Conference mark of 56-33 with LSU before being fired for cause in 2022 amid an NCAA probe that left the program with significant sanctions.

"This was not an easy decision, because of how much respect and appreciation I have for this program and this university," Wade said of leaving the Wolfpack after one season. "But the opportunity to return to Louisiana State University is deeply personal. It's a chance to go home -- to a place that means a great deal to me and my family."

pic.twitter.com/7FVKZRNnDy
— Will Wade (@CoachWadeNCSU) March 26, 2026

The move involving Wade came amid reports that LSU was parting ways with Matt McMahon.

Wade guided McNeese State to NCAA Tournament appearances in 2024 and 2025 before helping NC State to the Big Dance with a 20-14 record in 2025-26.

LSU recently hired former McNeese State president Wade Rousse as its system president and added the latter school's athletic director, Heath Schroyer, as the senior deputy athletic director on Thursday.

Wade was asked about rumors linking him to LSU on March 12 after the Wolfpack dropped an 81-74 decision to Virginia in the ACC tournament.

"Is the job open there?" Wade said at the time. "No? Listen, let me be very clear. I'm excited at NC State. I was hired at NC State to do a job. This wasn't going to take one year. I've already met with our administration about next year and some of the changes that we need to make and some of the things that we need to do to put this program where it deserves long-term."

McMahon, 47, is 60-70 since taking over as LSU head coach in 2022-23. He has never posted a winning record in SEC play, going 3-15 in the conference each of the past two seasons. LSU was 15-17 overall this season.

McMahon was hired after leading Murray State to a 153-67 record and three trips to the NCAA Tournament.

--Field Level Media

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