Tennessee Assistant Justin Gainey Eyed for NC State Head Coach Role

Barnes believes Gainey is ready to lead any program in the country

Mar. 28, 2026 at 9:34pm

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Tennessee basketball associate head coach Justin Gainey is a top candidate for the head coaching job at his alma mater, NC State. Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes praised Gainey's coaching abilities and said if NC State knew what he knew, they would be begging Gainey to be their next head coach.

Why it matters

Gainey has deep roots in North Carolina, having played for NC State from 1996 to 2000 and working in the university's administration from 2006 to 2009. His potential hiring would bring a familiar face back to the Wolfpack program as they look to rebuild after the departure of former head coach Will Wade.

The details

Gainey has been Tennessee's associate head coach since the 2022-23 season, helping the Vols reach three consecutive Elite Eights. Barnes believes Gainey is ready to be a head coach at any school in the country, praising his basketball IQ, player development skills, and recruiting abilities.

  • NC State's coaching position opened on March 26 after Will Wade left for LSU.
  • Tennessee and Michigan are set to face off in the Men's NCAA Tournament Elite Eight on March 29.

The players

Justin Gainey

A North Carolina native who played for NC State from 1996 to 2000 and has been the associate head coach at Tennessee since 2022.

Rick Barnes

The head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball team, who believes Gainey is ready to be a head coach at any school in the country.

Will Wade

The former head coach of the NC State Wolfpack men's basketball team, who left the program to take the head coaching job at LSU.

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What they’re saying

“If NC State knew what I knew, they would be begging him to be their next head coach. He's ready not just for NC State, he's ready to be the next head coach of the University of Tennessee or any school in the country. He's that good.”

— Rick Barnes, Head Coach, Tennessee Volunteers

“(He's) a terrific basketball coach. I mean, if you come to our walkthroughs, like today or the other day, he scouted the last game. I don't say a whole lot because those guys have it. Justin has an incredible feel for the game, really understands players.”

— Rick Barnes, Head Coach, Tennessee Volunteers

What’s next

NC State is expected to make a decision on their next head coach in the coming weeks as they look to rebuild the program.

The takeaway

Gainey's potential hiring at NC State would bring a familiar face back to the Wolfpack program as they look to return to prominence in the ACC. His strong coaching pedigree and deep ties to the state of North Carolina make him an attractive candidate for the job.