Will Wade Jokes About Making History 'One Way or the Other' in Second LSU Stint

The returning LSU basketball coach is embracing his controversial past with humor.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 6:19pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball court scene, with players and the ball broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes in LSU's signature purple and gold colors, conceptually representing the complex and uncertain future of the Tigers' basketball program under Wade's leadership.Will Wade's return to LSU as head coach brings both promise and uncertainty, as the program looks to rebuild under the controversial coach's leadership.Baton Rouge Today

Will Wade was re-introduced as the head basketball coach at LSU on March 30, 2026, after previously being fired by the program in 2022 for recruiting violations. During his press conference, Wade joked that he'll 'make history one way or the other' - either by winning a national championship or becoming the first coach fired from the same school twice.

Why it matters

Wade's return to LSU is controversial given his previous dismissal, but the coach is trying to move forward with a lighthearted approach. His jokes reference the NCAA issues that led to his ouster, which could help him connect with fans and players as he tries to rebuild the Tigers' program.

The details

Wade was fired by LSU in 2022 after an FBI wiretap uncovered him conversing with a recruit about a potential monetary offer, a recruiting violation. He then coached one season at NC State before leaving in a controversial manner. Now back at LSU, Wade is embracing the humor around his complicated history with the program.

  • Will Wade was re-introduced as LSU's basketball coach on March 30, 2026.
  • Wade previously coached LSU from 2017-2022 before being fired.
  • He spent the 2025-26 season as the head coach at NC State.

The players

Will Wade

The returning head basketball coach at LSU, who was previously fired by the program in 2022 for recruiting violations.

Matt McMahon

The previous head basketball coach at LSU, whose firing was not formally announced and was instead buried in the announcement of Wade's return.

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What they’re saying

“We're gonna make history one way or the other. We're coming back to try to hang a banner and win a national championship, or I'm gonna be the first coach fired from the same school twice. One way or another, we're gonna make history.”

— Will Wade, Head Basketball Coach, LSU

“They're gonna kill me if I start answering questions. I'm trying to follow more rules this time.”

— Will Wade, Head Basketball Coach, LSU

What’s next

Wade will now look to rebuild an LSU team that has missed the NCAA Tournament every season since he left the program in 2022. His ability to connect with players and recruits through his lighthearted approach will be key to the Tigers' turnaround.

The takeaway

Will Wade's return to LSU is a high-risk, high-reward proposition for the program. His previous dismissal for recruiting violations makes his comeback controversial, but his willingness to embrace the humor around his complicated history could help him win over fans and players as he tries to restore LSU basketball to prominence.