Will Wade 'can't wait to get started' as NC State basketball coach

Will Wade will be the next NC State basketball coach, the university announced Sunday afternoon.

Wade has signed a six-year deal, pending approval by the N.C. State Board of Trustees, according to a school-issued release.

“I am beyond excited and honored to be chosen to lead the Wolfpack basketball program,” Wade said in a school-issued statement.

“N.C. State’s rich tradition, passionate fan base, and location in one of the best cities in the country make this a destination job and I can’t wait to get started. I would like to thank Boo Corrigan and Chancellor (Randy) Woodson for this awesome opportunity. My family and I look forward to being a part of Wolfpack nation.”

Wade, 42, has led McNeese State to a 58-11 record and consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. The Cowboys beat Clemson in the opening round of March Madness before losing to Purdue in the round of 32.

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When N.C. State fired former coach Kevin Keatts on March 9, Wade soon emerged as a top candidate to lead the Wolfpack. N.C. State followed an ACC Tournament championship and Final Four run with a losing season, becoming one of three teams to miss the ACC Tournament.

Boo Corrigan, Randy Woodson discuss NC State hiring Will Wade

Following the announcement, N.C. State athletics director Corrigan and chancellor Woodson provided their thoughts on the hiring of Will Wade.

“I am excited and proud that Will Wade will be the next head coach for Wolfpack men’s basketball,” Corrigan said. “I went into this search with an open mind and had great conversations with several outstanding candidates from across the nation. But after speaking extensively with Will and others who know him well, I knew that he was the right leader for the Wolfpack.

"He is a tough coach with proven results on the court and he has grown and improved at every coaching stop. He is known for having great relationships with his players and he will hold them, his staff and himself accountable. Will told me that he believes that he can win at NC State … and ‘win big.’ It didn’t take me too many conversations with him to believe it too.”

Like Corrigan, Woodson highlighted Wade's credentials as a coach.

"We are thrilled to welcome Will Wade as the new head coach of NC State Men's Basketball,” Woodson said. “With a proven track record of excellence and a commitment to building a supportive culture for student-athletes, Will is the perfect leader to guide the Pack basketball program to new heights."

Where can I watch Will Wade press conference for NC State basketball coach?

Wade will be formally introduced as the 21st head coach in program history Tuesday at a private event in Reynolds Coliseum which will be streamed live for the general public at 1 pm on GoPack.com and ACC Network Extra. Photo opportunities for fans will be available beginning at 3 pm at Coaches’ Corner on the northwest corner of Reynolds Coliseum.

Will Wade coaching record

A Clemson graduate, Wade has won 70% of his games in 11 seasons as a head coach. He has a 254-107 record, starting his career at Chattanooga before going to VCU and LSU. He's won six conference championships, including back-to-back conference tourney titles at McNeese State. In seven of his 11 seasons, Wade's teams have made the NCAA Tournament.

Rodd Baxley covers Duke, North Carolina and N.C. State for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Got questions regarding those teams? Send them to rbaxley@fayobserver.com.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Will Wade discusses being hired as NC State basketball coach

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