Will Wade is back on the bayou. Four years after LSU fired Wade for illegal recruiting violations, the Tigers are hiring him back as the program’s newest head coach according to a report by On3’s Pete Nakos and numerous others.
Wade was the Tigers’ head coach from 2017-2022 when LSU posted a 105-51 record. LSU won the SEC Regular-Season Championship in 2019, made the NCAA Tournament three times including a trip to the Sweet 16 during the 2019 season.
But Wade’s tenure was mired with controversy. A FBI wiretap caught Wade discussing a “strong-ass offer” he made to recruit Javonte Smart who eventually starred for the Tigers. In the pre-NIL days, that led to an investigation and LSU eventually splitting ways with the successful head coach.
A Nashville native, Wade took a year off of coaching before returning to McNeese State in Louisiana. In two years, McNeese State twice made the NCAA Tournament and won a game in 2025. After two successful seasons, Wade departed for the head coaching job at NC State.
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It was a rocky lone year at NC State with the Wolfpack posting a 20-14 record and losing in a First Four game against Texas. Following the game, Wade declared that the 2025-26 team would be his worst at NC State. He proved himself right, bolting for LSU after one season.
Matt McMahon was Wade’s successor and predecessor at LSU. The Tigers posted a 60-70 record in McMahon’s tenure and failed to make it to the NCAA Tournament. Ironically, the news that LSU was hiring Wade broke before they had officially fired McMahon.
Another key part of Wade’s return to LSU was the Tigers hiring McNeese State athletic director Heath Schroyer. Schroyer was close with Wade during the duo’s time at McNeese State and will oversee the basketball program at LSU. LSU’s list of head coaches now includes Lane Kiffin, Will Wade and Kim Mulkey.
