LSU Brings Back Will Wade as Men's Basketball Coach

The former Tigers coach returns after a four-year absence, as NCAA rules around player payments have changed.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 1:11pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game or match, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in purple and gold hues, representing the changing landscape of college sports.The return of coach Will Wade signals a new era of college basketball, where player payments and endorsements have reshaped the game's landscape.New Orleans Today

LSU is set to officially introduce Will Wade as its next men's basketball head coach during a press conference scheduled for noon on Monday. Wade returns to LSU four years after he was fired for violating NCAA rules, but much of what Wade was accused of is now legal under the new era of college sports that allows player payments from endorsements and university athletic departments.

Why it matters

Wade previously led the Tigers from 2017 to 2022, guiding the team to NCAA Tournament appearances in 2019, 2021, and 2022. His return is seen as a major boost for the LSU basketball program, which has struggled since his departure.

The details

To bring Wade back, LSU bought out his contract with North Carolina State University, a deal reportedly worth $4 million. LSU and Wade agreed to a seven-year contract valued at $30 million to lead the men's basketball program moving forward. Wade went 105-51 at LSU during his previous tenure.

  • Wade was fired from LSU in 2022 for violating NCAA rules.
  • The press conference to introduce Wade as the new head coach is scheduled for noon on Monday, March 30, 2026.

The players

Will Wade

The new head coach of the LSU men's basketball team, returning after a four-year absence.

LSU

The Louisiana State University athletics department, which has hired Will Wade as its new men's basketball head coach.

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The takeaway

Wade's return to LSU signals a new era in college basketball, where player payments and endorsements are now permitted, allowing him to rebuild the Tigers' program and potentially compete for national championships once again.