NC State Begins Second Coaching Search in 367 Days

Athletic Director Boo Corrigan Outlines Expectations for Next Men's Basketball Coach

Mar. 27, 2026 at 10:05am

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After Will Wade's abrupt departure to return to LSU, NC State must quickly begin its second coaching search in less than a year. Athletic director Boo Corrigan addressed the process, emphasizing the school's desire to find a coach committed to the Wolfpack community and culture for the long term.

Why it matters

NC State is looking to stabilize its men's basketball program after two coaching changes in under a year, which has created uncertainty around the roster and program's future direction. The school is focused on finding the right fit to rebuild momentum and meet high fan expectations.

The details

Corrigan said the next coach doesn't necessarily need to be a sitting head coach, but must be an excellent recruiter and roster-builder who can connect with players and the community. He acknowledged the team's need for a rim protector and expressed disappointment in the roster construction under Wade. The school is ensuring support staff remains in place during the transition.

  • On March 27, 2026, Will Wade officially resigned as NC State's head coach to return to LSU.
  • The transfer portal opens on April 7, 2026, putting pressure on NC State to hire a new coach quickly.

The players

Boo Corrigan

The athletic director of NC State, who is leading the search for the Wolfpack's next men's basketball coach.

Will Wade

The former NC State head coach who abruptly left the program after just one season to return to LSU.

Justin Gainey

A former NC State player who is currently an assistant coach at Tennessee and could be a candidate for the Wolfpack's head coaching job.

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What they’re saying

“I'm disappointed for our athletic department, I'm disappointed for our fans and I'm disappointed for our university that we're here today.”

— Boo Corrigan, Athletic Director, NC State

“Someone who wants to be at NC State, understands who we are, understands that we're a tough school, understands that we're a great academic institution and understands that our fan base has very high expectations and can embrace that.”

— Boo Corrigan, Athletic Director, NC State

“I think we saw this year maybe if some of our players were four inches taller, it could have been a little bit better. No shade on our players this year, but the importance of a rim protector has really become something more definitive in college basketball. We need to make sure that we have someone to come in here that knows how to build a roster, knows how to put the pieces together in the right way to have a very competitive team.”

— Boo Corrigan, Athletic Director, NC State

What’s next

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The takeaway

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