LSU's Trio of Polarizing Coaches Poised to Annoy Opponents

New basketball coach Will Wade joins football's Lane Kiffin and women's basketball's Kim Mulkey to form a formidable coaching lineup.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:34am

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LSU has assembled a trio of outspoken, unconventional coaches in Will Wade, Lane Kiffin, and Kim Mulkey who are known for their polarizing personalities and ability to rile up opposing teams and fans. Despite their different coaching styles, the three share a common trait of relishing the role of villain and not shying away from controversy.

Why it matters

The hiring of Will Wade to the LSU basketball program completes an ensemble of coaches that could be the most provocative and entertaining group in college sports. Their brash styles and willingness to stir up opponents are sure to make LSU a must-watch program across all sports.

The details

Will Wade, the newly rehired LSU basketball coach, is joining football coach Lane Kiffin and women's basketball coach Kim Mulkey to form a trio of outspoken, unconventional leaders. Wade is known for his subtle sneer and tendency to embrace the 'villain' role, while Mulkey exudes a stern, no-nonsense attitude and isn't afraid to lecture her own fans. Kiffin, the newest addition, uses gentle verbal jabs and an unorthodox coaching style to get under opponents' skin.

  • Wade will have his introductory press conference on Monday, March 29, 2026.
  • Kiffin joined LSU's coaching staff in 2025 after being hired away from Ole Miss.

The players

Will Wade

The newly rehired LSU basketball coach who is known for his polarizing personality and willingness to embrace the 'villain' role.

Lane Kiffin

The LSU football coach who is known for his unorthodox coaching style and ability to get under opponents' skin with gentle verbal jabs.

Kim Mulkey

The LSU women's basketball coach who exudes a stern, no-nonsense attitude and isn't afraid to lecture her own fans.

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What they’re saying

“He just looks the part and doesn't hide from it. The subtle sneer in his expression seems to come pretty naturally, too.”

— Scooter Hobbs, Columnist

“She just exudes the aura that it wouldn't do to mess with her, and you'd best not test her on it.”

— Scooter Hobbs, Columnist

“He seems to annoy opponents more with the surgical but gentle verbal jabs, all the while making them wonder if they were just bamboozled, and how.”

— Scooter Hobbs, Columnist

What’s next

The trio of coaches will make their first public appearance together at LSU's annual media day event on April 15, 2026, where they are expected to further stoke the flames of rivalry and controversy.

The takeaway

LSU has assembled a coaching staff that is sure to be must-watch entertainment across college sports. Their brash personalities and willingness to embrace the role of villain will make the Tigers a polarizing program, but one that is bound to captivate fans and opponents alike.