NC State Athletic Director Takes Blatant Shot At Will Wade

The Will Wade era for NC State ended this Thursday in dramatic fashion. Despite denying rumors about him returning to Baton Rouge, Wade agreed to a deal to become LSU's head coach. He's leaving NC State behind after just one season where he led the program to a 20-14 record, which included a spot ...

by Chris Rosvoglou

Mar 26, 2026

NC State's Will Wade on the sideline.

The Will Wade era for NC State ended this Thursday in dramatic fashion.

Despite denying rumors about him returning to Baton Rouge, Wade agreed to a deal to become LSU's head coach. He's leaving NC State behind after just one season where he led the program to a 20-14 record, which included a spot in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament.

"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. "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."

NC State fans were hoping Wade would be the school's long-term answer at coach. Clearly, that wasn't the case.

Mar 16, 2026; Dayton, OH, USA; NC State Wolfpack head coach Will Wade speaks with the media during a practice session ahead of the first four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at University of Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
© Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images&period;

During this Thursday's press conference, NC State athletic director Boo Corrigan addressed Wade's departure. He told reporters that he was surprised by Wade's decision to return to LSU.

"There was no reason for me in my job not to believe the words that I was hearing coming back to me from coach Wade," Corrigan said. "And I believe everyone here saw it, wrote about it. Whatever it is that I want to be at, NC State, that's where I want to be. I look forward to growing it. I was as surprised and shocked as anyone else as this occurred based on the previous conversations that we had."

Corrigan then had a mic-drop moment when discussing the future of NC State's basketball program.

"I think Philip Rivers said it ... the Wolfpack ain't for soft people," Corrigan said. "We're going to go find a coach that understands who we are."

Who will replace Will Wade at NC State?

Tucker Sennett of Sports Illustrated named Tennessee associate head coach Justin Gainey, Saint Louis head coach Josh Schertz, and Georgia head coach Mike White as options to potentially fill NC State's coaching vacancy.

VCU coach Phil Martelli Jr. is another intriguing option that NC State may want to consider.

As for Wade, he'll try to rebuild an LSU program that hasn't been to the NCAA Tournament since the 2021-22 season.