NC State Hires Justin Gainey as New Head Coach

Gainey aims to unite Wolfpack fanbase after recent coaching turnover

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:57am

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NC State has hired Justin Gainey, an alumnus of the university, as its new head basketball coach. Gainey pledged to bring toughness and stability back to the program after it experienced a sudden coaching vacancy for the second year in a row.

Why it matters

NC State's basketball program has faced significant upheaval in recent seasons, with two head coaching changes in as many years. Gainey's hiring is seen as an opportunity to restore unity and consistency within the Wolfpack fanbase, which has grown frustrated with the lack of on-court success.

The details

Gainey, a former NC State player, takes over a program that has struggled to find its footing since the departure of long-time head coach Kevin Keatts. The Wolfpack finished just 14-18 this past season, leading to the dismissal of interim head coach Dereck Whittenburg. Gainey inherits a roster in need of rebuilding, but he is confident he can turn things around and get the team back to competing at a high level in the ACC.

  • Gainey was hired as NC State's new head coach on April 2, 2026.
  • He is taking over a program that finished 14-18 in the 2025-26 season.

The players

Justin Gainey

A former NC State player who has been hired as the university's new head basketball coach.

Kevin Keatts

The long-time former head coach of the NC State basketball program.

Dereck Whittenburg

The interim head coach of the NC State basketball program this past season, who was dismissed after the team's 14-18 record.

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What they’re saying

“I vowed to bring toughness and stability back to NC State. This is my alma mater, and I'm ready to unite our fanbase and get this program back on track.”

— Justin Gainey, New NC State Head Coach

What’s next

Gainey will now begin the process of assembling his coaching staff and evaluating the current NC State roster ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Gainey's hiring represents a fresh start for the NC State basketball program, which has struggled with instability in recent years. As an alumnus, he is tasked with restoring pride and unity among the Wolfpack faithful and guiding the team back to prominence in the ACC.