Wade Returns to LSU as Head Basketball Coach

The former Tigers coach looks to finish what he started after being fired in 2022.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 11:08pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes that abstractly represent a basketball game or match, conveying the complex emotions and high-pressure nature of Will Wade's return to coach LSU basketball.Will Wade's homecoming to LSU basketball is a complex, multi-faceted story of redemption and high stakes.Lake Charles Today

Will Wade has been rehired as the head basketball coach at Louisiana State University (LSU), becoming the first coach in Southeastern Conference history to be rehired by the same school that previously fired him. Wade was fired from LSU in 2022 due to NCAA recruiting violations, but after successful stints at McNeese State and North Carolina State, he has now returned to Baton Rouge to lead the Tigers once again.

Why it matters

Wade's return to LSU is a significant development in college basketball, as it is highly unusual for a coach to be rehired by a school that previously terminated their employment. This move highlights LSU's belief that Wade can restore the program to its former success and potentially compete for a national championship.

The details

Wade was originally hired as LSU's head coach in 2017 and led the Tigers to a regular-season SEC championship and three NCAA Tournament appearances before being fired in 2022 due to his involvement in NCAA recruiting violations. After spending a year out of coaching, Wade returned to the sidelines at McNeese State, where he led the Cowboys to back-to-back Southland Conference titles and the program's first NCAA Tournament win. He then spent last season at North Carolina State before LSU brought him back, signing him to a seven-year, $30 million contract.

  • Wade was fired from LSU in March 2022.
  • He spent the 2022-23 season as the head coach at McNeese State.
  • Wade was hired as the head coach at North Carolina State for the 2023-24 season.
  • In late 2023, LSU hired a new university president, Dr. Wade Rousse, who previously worked at McNeese State.
  • LSU officially rehired Wade as their head basketball coach on March 30, 2026.

The players

Will Wade

The newly rehired head basketball coach at Louisiana State University (LSU). Wade previously served as LSU's head coach from 2017 to 2022 before being fired due to NCAA recruiting violations, but has now returned to the program after successful stints at McNeese State and North Carolina State.

Dr. Wade Rousse

The current president of Louisiana State University, who previously worked at McNeese State and played a key role in bringing Will Wade back to LSU as the head basketball coach.

Heath Schroyer

The athletic director at Louisiana State University, who was hired last week and helped facilitate Will Wade's return to the program.

Matt McMahon

The former LSU head basketball coach who replaced Will Wade in 2022, but went just 60-70 overall and 17-55 in the SEC during his four seasons leading the Tigers.

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What they’re saying

“When we left here, we never thought we would be back.”

— Will Wade, Head Basketball Coach, LSU

“I'm very excited to be here. This is deeply personal for me.”

— Will Wade, Head Basketball Coach, LSU

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

— Will Wade, Head Basketball Coach, LSU

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 is a unique and high-stakes situation, as he looks to redeem himself and cement his legacy after being fired from the program just four years ago. His success or failure in this second stint will have major implications for the future of LSU basketball.