Will Wade announced Thursday that he is leaving North Carolina State after one season to return as head coach of LSU men's basketball. He signed a seven-year, $30 million contract with the Tigers, according to a term sheet obtained by The Advocate. Wade called the decision deeply personal, a chance to go home.
Will Wade, who coached NC State to a 20-14 record and a First Four appearance in the NCAA Tournament last week, confirmed his departure from the Wolfpack in a statement on his personal social media account Thursday. NC State, according to Wade's contract obtained by the USA TODAY Network, will receive a $5 million buyout payment from him. The move marks Wade's second stint at LSU, where he previously coached for five seasons, leading the Tigers to three NCAA Tournament appearances before his firing in 2021 amid NCAA allegations of misconduct. The university faced 11 Level I violations, six related to Wade's conduct as coach. LSU dismissed Matt McMahon after four seasons and announced Wade's hiring Thursday evening. He arrived at Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport that day, greeted by LSU officials including Board of Supervisors vice chair John Carmouche. Wade's new deal starts at $4 million in the first year, rising by $100,000 annually to $4.5 million in the final two years. It includes a 75% salary guarantee if fired without cause, with a duty to mitigate, and bonuses such as $50,000 for an NCAA bid, $300,000 for the Final Four, and $800,000 for a national title. His buyout decreases from $5 million if he leaves early. Wade will report to Heath Schroyer, LSU's new Senior Deputy Director of Athletics, who was his athletic director at McNeese State. '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,' Wade said. NC State now faces its second straight coaching search after parting with Kevin Keatts last offseason.
