Will Wade Returns to LSU Basketball, Vows to 'Make History'

The former Tigers coach is back, promising a national championship or to become the first coach fired twice from the same school.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:08pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the LSU basketball team and coach Will Wade in a fractured, multi-perspective style, capturing the dynamic energy and uncertainty of his second chance with the program.Will Wade's return to LSU basketball promises a new era of high-stakes drama and potential redemption for the embattled coach.Baton Rouge Today

Will Wade has returned as the head coach of the LSU basketball team, vowing to 'make history' in his second stint with the Tigers. Wade previously coached LSU from 2017-2022 before being dismissed following an NCAA investigation. He has since coached at McNeese State and NC State, leading both programs to the NCAA Tournament. At his introductory press conference, Wade joked that he'll either 'hang a banner and win a national championship' or 'be the first coach fired from the same school twice'.

Why it matters

Wade's return to LSU is significant, as he was previously one of the most successful coaches in the program's recent history, leading the Tigers to an SEC regular season title and Sweet 16 appearance in 2019. His departure in 2022 was controversial, and his willingness to come back and take on the challenge of rebuilding the program shows his confidence in his abilities.

The details

Wade left NC State after just one season to return to LSU, where he previously coached from 2017-2022. During his first stint, he led the Tigers to three NCAA Tournament appearances in five seasons. However, he was dismissed in 2022 following an NCAA investigation into the school's recruiting practices. Since then, he has coached at McNeese State and NC State, leading both programs to the NCAA Tournament.

  • Wade was previously the head coach of the LSU basketball team from 2017-2022.
  • He was dismissed from LSU in 2022 following an NCAA investigation.
  • Wade then coached at McNeese State and NC State, leading both programs to the NCAA Tournament.
  • On March 30, 2026, Wade was reintroduced as the new head coach of the LSU basketball team.

The players

Will Wade

The new head coach of the LSU basketball team, returning for his second stint with the program after previously coaching the Tigers from 2017-2022.

Boo Corrigan

The athletic director of NC State, who expressed disappointment in Wade's decision to leave the Wolfpack after just one season as their head coach.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 Coach, LSU Basketball

“I think Philip Rivers said it … the Wolfpack ain't for soft people. We're going to go find a coach that understands who we are.”

— Boo Corrigan, Athletic Director, NC State

What’s next

Wade will look to quickly rebuild the LSU basketball program and lead the Tigers back to the NCAA Tournament, with the ultimate goal of winning a national championship.

The takeaway

Will Wade's return to LSU represents a chance for redemption, as he looks to recapture the success he had with the Tigers during his first stint as head coach. His bold proclamation to 'make history' shows his confidence in his abilities and his desire to cement his legacy at the school, whether that's by winning a title or becoming the first coach fired twice from the same program.