Wade leaves NC State for 2nd stint as head coach at LSU
Will Wade announced Thursday that he's leaving NC State to become the head coach at LSU for the second time in his career.
"This was not an easy decision, because of how much respect and appreciation I have for this program and this university," Wade said in a statement posted on X.
"But the opportunity to return to Louisiana State University is deeply personal. It's a chance to go home - to a place that means a great deal to me and my family."
The Tigers will part ways with current sideline boss Matt McMahon to pave the way for Wade's return, according to CBS Sports' Brad Crawford.
Wade agreed to a seven-year contract to return to LSU, adds Crawford.
He previously served as the head coach at LSU from 2017 to 2022 but was fired after the university received a notice of allegations from the NCAA regarding rules violations committed during his tenure.
After being hired by McNeese State ahead of the 2023-24 season, Wade was handed a 10-game suspension and a two-year show-cause penalty for recruiting violations while at LSU. The Cowboys compiled a 50-9 record over two seasons under Wade, including a pair of trips to the NCAA Tournament.
Wade returns to Baton Rouge after leading NC State this past campaign. He guided the Wolfpack to a 20-14 record and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament, where they fell to Texas in the First Four.
The 43-year-old appears to have changed course after recently insisting he would stay at NC State.
"We're gonna win, and we're going to win big at NC State. That's what we're gonna do moving forward, and we have the resources we need," Wade said in early March, according to The Athletic's Brendan Marks.
NC State athletic director Boo Corrigan said the school and Wade agreed to a $4 million buyout, according to WRAL News' Brian Murphy.
McMahon compiled a 60-70 record across four seasons at LSU and failed to lead the program to March Madness. LSU will owe the Tennessee native more than $8 million following his dismissal, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel and Jeff Borzello.
The Tigers finished the 2025-26 campaign at the bottom of the SEC standings with a 3-15 mark in conference play.