Early favorite for West Virginia men's basketball opening takes job at ACC program

Mar 19, 2025; Providence, RI, USA; McNeese State Cowboys head coach Will Wade answers questions during the first round practice session press conference at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Mar 19, 2025; Providence, RI, USA; McNeese State Cowboys head coach Will Wade answers questions during the first round practice session press conference at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

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.

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.

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.

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