Former NC State Coach Will Wade Departs Raleigh for LSU Return

Wade's abrupt exit from NC State comes just one year after joining the Wolfpack program.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:04am

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Former NC State men's basketball coach Will Wade made a sudden departure from Raleigh to return to his previous job at LSU. Wade arrived at Raleigh-Durham International Airport on a private jet from Baton Rouge, ignoring reporters and fans who had gathered to witness his exit. Airport staff had to call the police to disperse the onlookers as Wade drove directly onto the tarmac to meet his waiting family, who were already wearing LSU gear.

Why it matters

Wade's return to LSU after just one season at NC State is an unexpected move that has left the Wolfpack program and its fans surprised and disappointed. The quick turnaround raises questions about Wade's commitment and the circumstances surrounding his departure, especially given his previous firing from LSU in 2022 due to recruiting investigations.

The details

According to reports, Wade arrived at the Raleigh airport shortly before a private jet from Baton Rouge landed around 5:12 pm ET on Thursday. Wade, his wife, and daughter were already dressed in LSU gear as they drove directly onto the tarmac, ignoring the boos and expletives from NC State fans who had gathered to witness his exit. Upon landing in Louisiana, Wade was met with hugs from LSU administrators and supporters. At no point did Wade address the media or Wolfpack fans, and airport staff had to call the police to disperse the onlookers.

  • The private jet left Baton Rouge at 3:19 pm ET and landed in Raleigh around 5:12 pm ET on Thursday, March 27, 2026.
  • Wade was expected to leave Raleigh earlier in the day, with a Wheels Up private jet scheduled to depart Baton Rouge at 11:05 am ET and arrive in Raleigh around 1:14 pm ET. However, the departure was delayed due to contract negotiations.

The players

Will Wade

The former head basketball coach of the NC State Wolfpack, who abruptly departed the program after just one season to return to his previous job at LSU.

Boo Corrigan

The NC State Athletic Director, who expressed surprise and disappointment at Wade's sudden departure from the program.

Heath Schroyer

The new senior administrator over men's basketball at LSU, who previously hired Wade at McNeese State and gave him his first job after Wade was fired from LSU in 2022.

Wade Rousse

The current president of LSU, who along with Schroyer, hired Wade at McNeese State and gave him his first job after being fired from LSU in 2022.

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What they’re saying

“I was as surprised and shocked as anyone else as this occurred based on the previous conversations that we had had. I believed he was telling me his true intentions.”

— Boo Corrigan, NC State Athletic Director

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.