LSU men's basketball will have a new basketball coach, but it's a familiar name: Will Wade.
The Tigers have successfully lured their away from N.C. State after one season, returning Wade to the program he was unceremoniously fired from in 2022 amid the fallout of recruiting violations. Wade took to social media to address NC State fans, confirming the move that LSU officially announced later in the day. Here's what he said:
"I want to take a moment to sincerely thank North Carolina State University, Athletic Director Boo Corrigan, and the entire administration for the opportunity to be part of something special.
From Day one, everything that was promised to me and my staff was delivered -- and then some. From the operational support, to the quality of the people in the building, to the resources and facilities -- we were given every tool needed to compete at the highest level. That kind of commitment is rare, and it speaks volumes about the leadership and vision here at NC State.
I also want to specifically acknowledge Boo Corrigan's leadership. He is thoughtful, decisive and deeply committed to doing things the right way. NC State is in very good hands with him leading the department, and I have no doubt the program will continue to thrive under his guidance.
This was not an easy decision, because of how much respect and appreciation I have for this program and this university. 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.
I'll always be grateful for my time here, the relationships we build, and the foundation we helped strengthen. NC State is positions for continued success, and I'll be cheering them on moving forward."
Wade had another statement for LSU fans, which was posted by the school:
"This was not an easy decision, because of how much respect and appreciation I have for NC State, but the opportunity to return to Louisiana State University is deeply personal. This is our chance to come home -- to a place that has shaped me, where the passion for basketball runs deep, and where the expectations match the opportunity.
LSU represents something bigger -- it's about competing at the highest level in the best conference in the country, in front of one of the most passionate fanbases in college basketball. The resources, the commitment, and the alignment at LSU makes it a place where we can build something special and sustainable.
"I'm incredibly excited about the challenge ahead -- about developing young men, competing for championships, and representing the state of Louisiana with pride. There's a standard at LSU, and I'm energized to embrace it fully. I can't wait to get home and get to work."
The statements are the culmination of buzz around his potential return that went from unlikely to confirmed in a matter of days. A major piece of the puzzle was the hiring of Heath Schroyer this week into a deputy AD role. Schroyer had previously served as the AD of McNeese State. LSU had previously hired Wade Rousse as its president, who had previously served in that role for McNeese and was the architect behind their hire of Wade at that time. . The Cowboys went on to win the Southland Conference in both seasons with Wade at the helm and earned their first-ever NCAA Tournament victory in 2025 before Wade's departure.
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"As LSU fans know well, Will is a consistent winner, a diligent program-builder, and a charismatic leader with an incredible ability to connect with his student-athletes and fanbase," said LSU AD Verge Ausberry in a statement. "Not only does he bring his postseason pedigree and an energetic presence, but he is innovative and strategic at a time in college athletics that requires both. We are thrilled to have Will and his family back in Baton Rouge again."
The hire of Wade will coincide with the firing of Matt McMahon, who took over the LSU job in 2023 but never found his footing in the role as the Tigers fell into SEC irrelevance. LSU went 60-70 overall under McMahon and 17-55 in the SEC while being held to three or fewer conference wins in three of his four years at the helm. LSU finished 3-15 overall and dead last in the conference standings this past season. The program is expected to be on the hook for a hefty buyout in the range of $8 million-plus.
LSU will be hoping for a similar revival as to Wade's first tenure. The Tigers finished 18-15 overall (8-10 SEC) in Year 1, followed up by a 25-5 campaign and SEC regular season title. Wade was suspended prior to the NCAA Tournament, with assistant Tony Benford leading the Tigers on a run to the Sweet 16. His overall record with the Tigers was 105-51, but more impressively 55-33 in SEC play. NC State went 20-14 overall (10-8 ACC) in the lone season under Wade, reaching the NCAA Tournament as an 11 seed but falling narrowly to Texas in a First Four matchup. Texas has since upset BYU and Gonzaga en route to a Sweet Sixteen appearance of their own.
