Kiffin Defends Wade's Controversial LSU Return

Football coach says basketball coach has 'unique view' on leaving NC State after one season.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:22pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game, with the court and players broken down into overlapping planes of vivid blue, yellow, and red hues, conveying the energy and dynamism of the sport.LSU's new coaching lineup, including basketball's Will Wade, aims to reshape the university's athletic future.Baton Rouge Today

LSU football head coach Lane Kiffin has voiced his support for new LSU basketball coach Will Wade, who left NC State after just one season to return to Baton Rouge. Kiffin said Wade has a 'unique view' on the decision and that he's 'extremely excited' about the move, despite criticism that Wade left NC State too quickly.

Why it matters

Wade's return to LSU, the program he was fired from in 2019 due to recruiting violations, is a controversial move that has drawn scrutiny. Kiffin's defense of Wade's decision provides insight into the university's perspective and the high-profile coaching hires LSU has made across multiple sports.

The details

In a media session, Kiffin said he recently spoke with Wade and that the new basketball coach is 'extremely excited' about his return to LSU. Kiffin acknowledged there has been 'a lot of judgment' about Wade leaving NC State after just one season, but defended the decision, saying 'everything is everybody's story' and that Wade 'chose what to do' after getting the 'best information' from those close to him.

  • On March 24, 2026, Will Wade left his position as head coach at NC State to return to LSU.
  • Kiffin made his comments supporting Wade's decision on March 31, 2026.

The players

Lane Kiffin

The head football coach at Louisiana State University (LSU).

Will Wade

The new head basketball coach at Louisiana State University (LSU), who previously held the same position at LSU before being fired in 2019 due to recruiting violations.

Kim Mulkey

The head women's basketball coach at Louisiana State University (LSU).

Jay Johnson

The head baseball coach at Louisiana State University (LSU).

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Yeah, I talked to (Wade) the other day. Obviously, he's extremely excited about it. I did not know him personally. From what I know, which I don't know a lot about basketball, but he's been successful wherever he's been. I think if you're passionate about a place and you're a really good coach, that's a really good combination.”

— Lane Kiffin, Head Football Coach

“I know there's a lot of judgment whether he should go because he just got to (NC State) and all of those things… I have a unique view of that. Everything is everybody's story. They've got one life to live. They choose what to do and what they believe their story is after they get the best information they can from the people closest to them. Then, they make their decisions. In my opinion, it's that person's job to go prove that decision right.”

— Lane Kiffin, Head Football Coach

What’s next

LSU will hold a press conference on April 3, 2026 to formally introduce Will Wade as the new head basketball coach.

The takeaway

Kiffin's defense of Wade's controversial decision to leave NC State after just one season and return to LSU, the program that fired him in 2019, highlights the high-profile coaching hires LSU has made across multiple sports as it aims to rebuild its athletic department. The university is betting big on proven coaches like Wade, Kiffin, Mulkey, and Johnson to lead its teams to success.