Report: Will Wade expected to be candidate in NC State coaching search after firing Kevin Keatts

NC State parted ways with Kevin Keatts after eight seasons on Sunday, and names to replace him have already begun circulating. One name that has swiftly emerged is current McNeese State head coach Will Wade, per Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman.

Wade has spent two seasons with the Cowboys, leading them to a 30-4 record last season and has them in similar position as 25-6 overall this season heading into the Southland Conference Tournament this coming week.

Before coaching at McNeese, Wade was the head coach of the LSU Tigers. At the time, LSU was under investigation, and an eventual Notice of Allegations included violations that were too severe for the Tigers to retain him. Will Wade went 105-51 over five seasons as LSU, taking the job after two successful seasons at VCU. He made two NCAA Tournament appearances during his time in Baton Rouge.

For Keatts, he finishes his time in Raleigh with a record of 151-113, including a 69-84 record against conference opponents. He made three NCAA Tournament during his time as head coach. He released a statement following the Wolfpack’s announcement.

“The last eight years have been a dream come true, and I will always cherish my time being a part of the Raleigh community. I want to thank Debbie Yow for giving me this tremendous opportunity to lead the Wolfpack back to the top of the ACC,” his statement reads. “Her leadership and vision brought so many great coaches to NC State.

“I am extremely proud of what we accomplished during my time here. … As we enter this new era of college sports, I wholeheartedly believe that I am leaving the program in a better position to succeed than when I started – and that the basketball program will continue to thrive when supported to the level necessary to compete. Finally, thank you to all the players, assistant coaches, managers, staff and supporters that joined my family and I on this journey.”

NC State athletic director Boo Corrigan also released a statement on the firing of Keatts.

“I want to thank Coach Keatts for his contributions to NC State and for always representing the university with class,” NC State athletic director Boo Corrigan said in the release.  “He will always have a treasured place in Wolfpack history for the accomplishments of his 2023-24 squad and I appreciate the passion he brought to this role.  We wish him and his family the best in the future.” 

The Wolfpack finished the season 12-19 overall, and 5-15 in ACC play. They finished the season losing three of their last four games. Their record against conference competition did not qualify the Wolfpack to make the ACC Tournament this season.