NC State Expected to Hire Former Star Guard Justin Gainey as Head Coach

Gainey, a North Carolina native, played for the Wolfpack from 1996-2000 and has built an extensive coaching résumé.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:40pm

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A cubist, geometric painting in shades of red, white, and black, depicting the fragmented movements and energy of a basketball game or match, representing the excitement and potential of NC State's new head coaching hire.The hiring of former Wolfpack star Justin Gainey as NC State's new head basketball coach represents a bold move to bring in a coach with deep local ties and a unique understanding of the program's history and culture.Today in Raleigh

NC State is preparing to name former Wolfpack guard Justin Gainey as the program's next head men's basketball coach. Gainey, a North Carolina native, starred at NC State from 1996-2000 before building a coaching résumé that spans Marquette, Arizona, Santa Clara, Appalachian State, and Elon. He has spent the past five seasons as an assistant at Tennessee under head coach Rick Barnes.

Why it matters

The hiring of Gainey, a former NC State player, is seen as an opportunity to bring in someone with deep ties to the university and the local region. His familiarity with the Triangle area and understanding of the unique basketball culture could help him quickly connect with players and the community.

The details

Gainey worked on Sidney Lowe's staff at NC State as an administrative coordinator from 2006-2008. If hired, he would be the first first-time head coach at NC State since Everett Case, who led the program from 1946-1964. The hiring comes as the university is dealing with the departure of former head coach Will Wade, who faced criticism from Wolfpack fans and university leaders over his handling of his exit to LSU.

  • NC State is expected to name Gainey as the new head coach in the coming days.
  • An emergency meeting of the Board of Trustees has been called for Tuesday at 3 p.m. to "consider a personnel matter."
  • NC State has scheduled a "Men's Basketball Head Coach Introduction" event for Wednesday at 2 p.m.

The players

Justin Gainey

A former NC State guard who starred for the Wolfpack from 1996-2000. He has built an extensive coaching résumé, including stints at Marquette, Arizona, Santa Clara, Appalachian State, and Elon, and the past five seasons as an assistant at Tennessee under Rick Barnes.

Rick Barnes

The head coach at Tennessee, who praised Gainey's strengths as a basketball coach and recruiter, and his deep connection to NC State.

Boo Corrigan

The McMurray Family Director of Athletics at NC State, who is leading the search for the Wolfpack's next head coach.

Kevin Howell

The Chancellor of NC State, who is expected to participate in the introduction of the new head coach on Wednesday.

Will Wade

The former NC State head coach who recently departed for the same position at LSU, facing criticism from Wolfpack fans and university leaders over his handling of the move.

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What they’re saying

“I hope he gets that job, because I don't think there's anyone in the country that loves NC State more than Justin Gainey. He's a North Carolina native. He went to NC State (and) played four years there. Started four years ... He's just got incredible pride in his university. Terrific basketball coach. If you come to our walkthroughs, I don't say a whole lot, because those guys have it. He's got an incredible feel for the game. He really understands players. He works at it, terrific recruiter. (He) understands the NIL era today.”

— Rick Barnes, Tennessee Head Coach

“I think it's very important to have a guy who understands NC State and that basketball is different in the Triangle. And for a guy who's going to come and take over, it's important to know that and understand it.”

— Will Zieverink, Member, Student Wolfpack Club

“It's very much a gamble, very much a swing for the fences type of hire, in my opinion, where there is some risk with it being a first-time head coach. But there's also a lot of excitement, a lot of possibilities. With him being an alum, he'll have a little bit of a leg up where he understands the area (and) he'll be able to have those relationships in state where he can recruit and build the team. I think that there is reason for cautious optimism with Justin Gainey.”

— Noah Teague, NC State Senior, Staff Writer for Technician

What’s next

The NC State Board of Trustees will hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday at 3 p.m. to discuss the personnel matter related to the new head coach hire. The university has also scheduled a "Men's Basketball Head Coach Introduction" event for Wednesday at 2 p.m., where the new coach, Boo Corrigan, and Chancellor Kevin Howell are expected to speak.

The takeaway

The hiring of Justin Gainey, a former NC State player, represents an opportunity for the Wolfpack to bring in a coach with deep ties to the university and the local region. His familiarity with the Triangle area and understanding of the unique basketball culture could help him quickly connect with players and the community, providing a potential boost as the program looks to turn the page after recent coaching changes.