Return to LSU could be in the works for NC State coach Will Wade

A return to LSU could be in the cards for NC State coach Will Wade. On Wednesday, CBS Sports insider Jon Rothstein reported that LSU is hiring McNeese athletics director Heath Schroyer as a senior administrator. The move reunites Schroyer and Wade Rousse, the current LSU president and former president at McNeese.

Schroyer and Rousse previously hired Wade at McNeese, and after months of rumors that a reunion in Baton Rouge could be in the works, Rothstein reported that the Tigers are "on the verge of bringing (Wade) back. " The Tigers have not fired current head coach Matt McMahon, though his future is in serious jeopardy after four years with no NCAA tournament appearances and a 60-70 overall record. Wade previously coached LSU from 2017-22, a run that included a Sweet 16 appearance in 2019, but was fired ahead of the NCAA tournament in 2022 after his program received a notice of allegations from the NCAA over recruiting violations that stemmed from Wade being captured on an FBI wiretap.

Sources: LSU is working to hire McNeese's Heath Schroyer as a Senior Administrator. The Tigers' head coaching job is not open, but LSU President Wade Rousse & Schroyer both previously hired NC State's Will Wade at McNeese & are on the verge of bringing him back to Baton Rouge. — Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 25, 2026 Wade spent one season out of coaching before joining McNeese in 2023, where he had to sit out 10 games due to an NCAA show-cause but ultimately finished with a 50-9 record and a pair of NCAA tournament experiences.

He replaced Kevin Keatts at NC State this past offseason, and in his first season with the Wolfpack, he guided them to an NCAA tournament bid. However, they were eliminated in the First Four against Texas . Now, it seems Wade could have his third job in as many years if a return to LSU ultimately comes to pass.