One prominent name that has already been floated for the West Virginia basketball coaching vacancy with a history of massive success at the power conference level of college basketball is already off the market
Will Wade, former LSU Head Coach and current McNeese State Head Coach, had his name immediately bandied about the college basketball world following Darian DeVries' abrupt departure from West Virginia on Tuesday night. Even ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla said the Mountaineers should get Will Wade on 'Line 1' about the opening.
Seriously, get Will Wade on Line 1 right now. Perfect fit. https://t.co/E34s8NWYUy
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) March 18, 2025
However, all the talk about Wade being a good fit for Morgantown is now moot, as multiple reports broke on Wednesday they wade will be taking a different Division 1 job at a power conference program, as he heads to North Carolina State -- a program who fired their coach this season following a Final Four run just one year prior.
The news originally broke from Joe Giglio of OG Media and was corroborated by national reporters -- Jeff Borzello of ESPN confirmed the news quickly.
From my sources: NC State has reached an agreement with Will Wade to be its next men's basketball coach.
— Joe Giglio (@giglio_OG) March 19, 2025
There is still the matter of finalizing the deal, and that McNeese is playing in the NCAA tournament, but plans are in place to move quickly when McNeese's season ends
McNeese's Will Wade has reached an agreement to become the next head coach at NC State, sources confirmed to ESPN. First reported by @giglio_OG. Wade has won 57 games over the last two seasons at McNeese, went to five NCAA tournaments at LSU and VCU.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 19, 2025
The news following Wade hinted at the possibility during media availability for McNeese State at the NCAA Tournament on Wednesday, confirming he'd be in contact with NC State.
The news comes as a considerable blow to a number WVU fans who were looking for a proven head coach with power conference experience, as Wade fit the bill as well as any other option on the board -- Wade spent five seasons at LSU and made three NCAA Tournament appearances, including one Sweet 16 trip.
He was let go by LSU following an NCAA investigation into recruiting violations -- he has since served a two-year show-cause penalty and led McNeese State to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.