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Will Wade Jokes About 'Following More Rules' in Return to LSU
The newly hired LSU basketball coach poked fun at his previous messy exit from the program.
Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:06am
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Newly hired LSU basketball coach Will Wade made a self-deprecating joke about 'following more rules' during his first public appearance in Baton Rouge after leaving NC State to return to the Tigers' program. Wade was previously fired by LSU in 2022 amid NCAA violations related to paying recruits, but he now hopes to start fresh with the team.
Why it matters
Wade's previous tenure at LSU ended in controversy, with the coach being caught on an FBI wiretap discussing a 'strong-ass offer' he made to recruit a player. His abrupt departure from NC State and return to Baton Rouge has also raised eyebrows, as he reportedly didn't inform the Wolfpack's athletic director until the day before the news broke. This latest move puts Wade back in the spotlight and will be closely watched as he attempts to rebuild trust with the LSU community.
The details
In his first public comments since accepting the LSU job, Wade was seen leaving the Baton Rouge airport and briefly spoke to reporters, joking, 'They're gonna kill me if I start answering questions. I'm trying to follow more rules this time.' The coach was previously fired by LSU in 2022 after the school received NCAA allegations of infractions involving Wade paying recruits, an issue that stemmed from an FBI wiretap recording the coach discussing a 'strong-ass offer' made to a prospect.
- On March 27, 2026, Will Wade was announced as the new head basketball coach at LSU.
- In June 2023, Wade received a two-year show-cause penalty and 10-game suspension from the NCAA for his previous violations at LSU.
The players
Will Wade
The new head basketball coach at LSU, returning to the program after being fired in 2022 amid NCAA violations related to paying recruits.
Boo Corrigan
The athletic director at NC State, who criticized Wade for not informing him until the day before his departure for LSU was announced.
What they’re saying
“They're gonna kill me if I start answering questions. I'm trying to follow more rules this time.”
— Will Wade, Head Coach, LSU Basketball
“I would commiserate with [the fans] about being lied to.”
— Boo Corrigan, Athletic Director, NC State
What’s next
Wade is expected to hold an official press conference in the coming days to further address his return to LSU and outline his plans for the program.
The takeaway
Will Wade's return to LSU comes with a cloud of controversy, as the coach looks to rebuild trust and credibility after his previous messy exit from the program. His self-deprecating joke about 'following more rules' suggests an awareness of the need to operate with more transparency and integrity this time around.
