NC State Seeks New Basketball Coach After Will Wade's Departure

Flynn Clayman and Justin Gainey among top candidates to replace Wade as Wolfpack's next head coach

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:03am

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NC State is searching for a new head basketball coach after Will Wade abruptly left the program to return to LSU. The Wolfpack have several potential replacements, including High Point's Flynn Clayman, Tennessee assistant Justin Gainey, and Akron's John Groce. The next hire will be NC State's fifth head coach in the last 20 years.

Why it matters

NC State has struggled with coaching stability in recent years, going through multiple head coaches. The school is looking to find a long-term solution and build momentum after Wade's successful tenure. The new hire will be tasked with continuing the program's progress and competing in the highly competitive ACC.

The details

After firing Kevin Keatts last offseason, NC State hired Will Wade away from McNeese State. But Wade's sudden departure to LSU has left the Wolfpack searching for a replacement. The school is considering several options, including poaching Josh Schertz from Saint Louis, bringing back alumnus Justin Gainey from Tennessee, and looking at experienced mid-major coaches like Akron's John Groce and UNC Wilmington's Takayo Siddle.

  • Will Wade abruptly left NC State to return to LSU in March 2026.
  • NC State is looking to hire its next head coach ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The players

Will Wade

The former NC State head coach who left the program to return to LSU.

Flynn Clayman

The head coach at High Point University, considered a top candidate to replace Wade at NC State.

Justin Gainey

The Tennessee associate head coach and NC State alumnus who is a potential candidate for the Wolfpack's head coaching job.

John Groce

The head coach at Akron, who has led the Zips to four NCAA Tournament appearances in the last nine seasons and could be a candidate for the NC State job.

Takayo Siddle

The head coach at UNC Wilmington, who previously served as an assistant at NC State under Kevin Keatts.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

NC State is expected to move quickly to hire its next head coach, with the goal of having the position filled before the start of the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

NC State's search for a new head basketball coach comes at a critical time for the program, as it looks to build on the momentum from Will Wade's successful tenure and compete in the tough ACC. The Wolfpack have several promising candidates, but will need to make the right hire to provide the stability and leadership the program has lacked in recent years.