ESPN's Greenberg Slams LSU, Wade for 'Screwing' Ex-Coach McMahon

Analyst calls out Tigers' handling of coaching change as 'unethical'

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:57pm

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ESPN analyst Seth Greenberg heavily criticized LSU and head coach Will Wade for the way they handled the recent coaching change, saying former Tigers coach Matt McMahon 'got screwed' in the process. Greenberg accused LSU of not treating McMahon with respect and Wade of blindsiding NC State, where he had just taken a job, to return to LSU.

Why it matters

Greenberg's comments shine a light on the often cutthroat nature of college basketball coaching changes, where schools and coaches can prioritize their own interests over treating departing coaches fairly. This case highlights the need for more transparency and ethical standards around these types of transitions.

The details

Greenberg said McMahon inherited a 'mess' left by Wade and had to 'clean it up with the least resources humanly possible,' only to be fired abruptly. He then accused LSU of hiring Wade back 'almost simultaneously' as they let McMahon go. Greenberg said Wade should have directly contacted NC State AD Boo Corrigan to inform him of his plans, rather than having his agent send an email.

  • In March 2022, Matt McMahon took over as LSU's head coach.
  • In March 2023, Will Wade left NC State after just one season to return as LSU's head coach.

The players

Seth Greenberg

An ESPN college basketball analyst and former college basketball coach.

Matt McMahon

The former head coach of the LSU men's basketball team, who was fired in March 2023.

Will Wade

The current head coach of the LSU men's basketball team, who previously held the position before being fired in 2022.

Boo Corrigan

The athletic director of NC State University, where Will Wade briefly served as head coach before returning to LSU.

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What they’re saying

“First of all, Matt McMahon got screwed because he inherited Will Wade's mess and had to clean it up with the least resources humanly possible. And then they way they fired him and within a day hired his replacement.”

— Seth Greenberg, ESPN Analyst

“You have a right to change coaches, but you also have a responsibility to do the right thing. Will Wade, pick up the phone from LSU, call (NC State AD) Boo Corrigan and say, 'You know, we're going to have a coaching opening. We're going to make a change, and we'll have Will Wade as our top candidate. I just want to let you know we're going to reach out to his representative.' Do the right thing. You're going to change jobs?”

— Seth Greenberg, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

Wade will look to return LSU to the NCAA Tournament in 2026 after the Tigers missed the Big Dance during his previous tenure.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for more transparency and ethical standards around college basketball coaching changes, where schools and coaches can prioritize their own interests over treating departing coaches fairly.