NC State Searches for New Basketball Coach, Tracking Flight Activity

Wolfpack power brokers interview potential candidates as coaching search heats up

Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:03pm

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NC State's athletic department is actively searching for a new men's basketball head coach after Will Wade's recent resignation. Athletic director Boo Corrigan and other university officials have been traveling to interview potential candidates, with their flight activity being closely monitored by fans and media. Two top contenders have emerged so far - Saint Louis University's Josh Schertz and Tennessee associate head coach Justin Gainey, a former NC State player.

Why it matters

The search for a new head coach is a critical moment for the NC State basketball program, which is looking to rebound after a tumultuous period. The next hire will be tasked with rebuilding the team and restoring the Wolfpack's reputation following Wade's messy exit. Fans are closely following the process, with some hoping to see a familiar face like Gainey take over the program.

The details

On Saturday, Corrigan and his team traveled first to St. Louis to meet with Schertz, the head coach at Saint Louis University. While no financial details were discussed, Schertz is seen as a top candidate despite his current contract extension. The group then flew to Chicago, where they interviewed Tennessee associate head coach Justin Gainey, an NC State alumnus who has expressed interest in the job in the past. Gainey is currently preparing with the Volunteers for their Elite Eight matchup against Michigan.

  • On March 28, 2026, the NC State private jet departed Raleigh Executive Jetport around 8:42 AM, bound for Spirit of St. Louis Airport.
  • The jet landed in Missouri, where Corrigan and his team met with Saint Louis University head coach Josh Schertz.
  • After the Schertz interview, the jet returned to the Spirit of St. Louis Airport and then flew to Chicago Midway International Airport, arriving around 2:18 PM.
  • In Chicago, the NC State group interviewed Tennessee associate head coach Justin Gainey.

The players

Boo Corrigan

The athletic director of NC State University, leading the search for the program's next men's basketball head coach.

Josh Schertz

The head coach of the Saint Louis University men's basketball team, considered a top candidate for the NC State opening.

Justin Gainey

The associate head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball team, an NC State alumnus and former player who is also a candidate for the Wolfpack's head coaching job.

Will Wade

The former head coach of the NC State men's basketball team, who recently resigned from his position.

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What they’re saying

“Josh Schertz says after talking with NC State that no financial particulars were discussed and he will wait to see if an offer comes with numbers that are significantly better than SLU's.”

— Stu Durando, Reporter

What’s next

NC State is expected to continue its coaching search, with Gainey and Schertz remaining top candidates. The university's board of trustees will also need to finalize the financial details of Will Wade's buyout before moving forward with a new hire.

The takeaway

The coaching search at NC State has become a high-profile process, with fans closely following the university's travel and interview activities. The program is seeking a strong leader who can rebuild the team's reputation and competitiveness after a tumultuous period. The next head coach will have the opportunity to revitalize the Wolfpack basketball program and reconnect with the passionate fan base.