Tennessee basketball is losing its top assistant this offseason. Rick Barnes’ associate head coach, Justin Gainey, accepted the head coaching job at NC State, his alma mater.
Gainey is expected to bring stability to the Wolfpack program after Will Wade suddenly departed for his former school, LSU, which he previously left in the middle of significant controversy and scandal.
With Gainey officially announced as NC State’s new head coach, Gainey and NCSU’s athletic director and chancellor released statements.
More From RTI: Tennessee Basketball Support Staff Member Following Justin Gainey To NC State
NC State Head Coach Justin Gainey
“I’m humbled and honored to be the head coach of the NC State men’s basketball program. This university helped build me as a player and as a person. To now lead it as head coach is truly a full-circle moment. There’s a responsibility that comes with leading your alma mater, and I embrace it fully. We’re going to honor our tradition, represent this university the right way, and build a program our Wolfpack family can be proud of. This place means everything to me. I wore the jersey with pride, and now I’ll lead this program with that same passion, toughness and commitment to winning that defines the Wolfpack.”
Director of Athletics Boo Corrigan
“I am honored to announce Justin Gainey as our new head coach for the NC State men’s basketball program. Not only are we welcoming back one of our own, but we are welcoming a tough, tenacious and experienced coach who I am confident is the right fit for our program and will continue to position the Pack for success on the national stage. Justin understands what this program means because he has lived and breathed it and I am very excited that he is our basketball coach.”
Chancellor Kevin Howell
“Today is a great day for NC State and our men’s basketball program. I could not be more proud that Justin Gainey is our new NC State head men’s basketball coach. The Wolfpack is bringing home one of our own.
“As chancellor, an alum, and a devoted fan, I’m proud of NC State’s legacy in men’s basketball and am even more excited about our future. Our goals are to win championships, put a strong and competitive team on the court, and help our student-athletes become better players, students and people. Coach Gainey’s values reflect who we are at NC State and it’s what equips him to lead our program with integrity, humility and a relentless pursuit of excellence.”
Santa Clara Head Coach Herb Sendek (Former NC State Head Coach from 1996-2006)
“Coach Gainey is the kind of leader you would want your son to play for and to represent your university. He is an elite recruiter, teacher and strategist, and as a distinguished Wolfpack Alum, he brings commitment, pride and the ability to galvanize the Wolfpack Nation. He is a proven winner and I have no doubt that he will elevate the proud and storied Wolfpack Basketball program to national prominence once again.”
Tennessee Head Coach Rick Barnes
“I am so thrilled for Justin Gainey to have this incredible opportunity at NC State, as well as excited for Boo Corrigan and the Wolfpack fans, who are getting a true winner. There is no doubt in my mind Justin is ready for this role and I have the utmost confidence he will excel as the head coach at his alma mater. Justin is an excellent basketball coach who can recruit, develop and maximize talent, as well as truly connect with the young men he leads. He is, most importantly, a wonderful person with a great family. Justin played a significant role in the success we’ve had here at Tennessee and I look forward to watching him do the same at NC State.”
