Wake Forest Expected to Retain Coach Steve Forbes

Demon Deacons' head coach to return for 2026-27 season despite recent struggles

Feb. 24, 2026 at 3:14pm

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According to a report from Jeff Goodman of Field of 68, Wake Forest is expected to bring back head basketball coach Steve Forbes for the 2026-27 season. Forbes has led the Demon Deacons for the past six seasons, compiling a 106-78 (55-57) record, though the team has not made the NCAA Tournament during his tenure.

Why it matters

Retaining Forbes provides stability for the Wake Forest basketball program, which has faced challenges in recent years. His continued leadership could help the team turn things around and potentially earn a long-awaited NCAA Tournament berth.

The details

The report indicates that Wake Forest athletic director John Currie is supportive of Forbes and plans to bring him back for the upcoming season. Forbes has been the Demon Deacons' head coach since 2020, but the team has struggled to find consistent success, missing the NCAA Tournament in each of his six seasons so far.

  • Wake Forest head coach Steve Forbes has led the team for the past six seasons, starting in 2020.
  • The Demon Deacons have not made the NCAA Tournament during Forbes' tenure.

The players

Steve Forbes

The head basketball coach of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, who has led the team for the past six seasons.

John Currie

The athletic director of Wake Forest University, who is reportedly supportive of retaining head coach Steve Forbes.

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What they’re saying

“Wake Forest head coach Steve Forbes is expected back next season amid the Demon Deacons' struggles this season.”

— Jeff Goodman, Analyst

What’s next

The Wake Forest administration will likely make an official announcement regarding Steve Forbes' status as head coach in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Retaining a head coach with a proven track record, even during difficult seasons, can provide stability and the opportunity for a program to turn things around. Wake Forest's decision to keep Steve Forbes suggests they believe he can lead the Demon Deacons back to success in the near future.