Overview

• Will Wade has signed a six-year contract to become the head coach of NC State following McNeese State's exit from the NCAA Tournament.
• Wade led McNeese State to its first-ever NCAA Tournament win in 2025, defeating Clemson in the first round before losing to Purdue in the second round.
• McNeese State will receive a $1 million buyout as part of Wade's departure, which was part of a pre-agreed two-year plan with the university's athletic director.
• During his tenure, Wade revitalized McNeese's basketball program, earning back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances and significantly boosting the university's visibility and applications.
• Wade's move to NC State marks a major career milestone, further solidifying his redemption following his firing from LSU due to NCAA recruiting violations in 2022.