NC State Names Justin Gainey New Men's Basketball Head Coach

Gainey returns to his alma mater to lead the Wolfpack program.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:55pm

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NC State University has named Justin Gainey as the new head coach of the men's basketball team. Gainey, a former Wolfpack player, is returning to his alma mater to lead the program after previously serving as an assistant coach at several other schools.

Why it matters

Gainey's appointment marks a homecoming for the former NC State player, who now has the opportunity to lead the program he once played for. His familiarity with the university and the Wolfpack basketball tradition is expected to help him hit the ground running in his new role.

The details

In his introductory press conference, Gainey expressed his humility and honor at being named the new head coach. He emphasized his commitment to upholding the program's tradition, representing the university the right way, and building a team the Wolfpack community can be proud of. Gainey also highlighted his focus on toughness, values, and ensuring his players have the right mindset.

  • Gainey was named the new NC State men's basketball head coach on April 1, 2026.

The players

Justin Gainey

The new head coach of the NC State men's basketball team, who previously played for the Wolfpack as a student-athlete.

Boo Corrigan

The athletic director at NC State University, who introduced Gainey as the new head coach.

Randy Howell

The chancellor of NC State University, who praised Gainey's values and their alignment with the university's.

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What they’re saying

“I'm humbled and honored to be the head coach of the NC State men's basketball program. This university helped build me as a player and as a person. To now lead it as head coach is truly a full-circle moment.”

— Justin Gainey, Head Coach, NC State Men's Basketball

“Coach Justin Gainey's values - we learned a lot about values, didn't we? Coach Gainey's values reflect who we are at NC State.”

— Randy Howell, Chancellor, NC State University

“We're here today to celebrate a new leader of this program who has everything that we need and has the right moral compass for this. Who understands what NC State is all about and truly is going to take pride in the name on the front of the jersey.”

— Boo Corrigan, Athletic Director, NC State University

“One thing that I prided myself on was toughness, and I tried to bring that every day, and as long as I'm your head coach, you can count on that every single day, that I'm going to bring that toughness and all of my teams and my staff and everybody that's in contact with us, we'll have that toughness.”

— Justin Gainey, Head Coach, NC State Men's Basketball

“When the players know it's transactional, they quit on you. And I will never be that guy.”

— Justin Gainey, Head Coach, NC State Men's Basketball

What’s next

Gainey will now begin assembling his coaching staff and preparing for the upcoming season as he takes over the reins of the NC State men's basketball program.

The takeaway

Gainey's return to his alma mater as the new head coach of the Wolfpack men's basketball team represents a homecoming and an opportunity for him to build upon the program's rich tradition. His emphasis on values, toughness, and a player-first mentality suggests he is well-equipped to lead NC State back to success on the court.