NC State reaches deal with Tennessee assistant and ex-Wolfpack player Justin Gainey, AP source says
N. C. State has an agreement with Tennessee assistant coach and former Wolfpack player Justin Gainey to lead its men's basketball program, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Monday.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the school has yet to make a formal announcement. The deal requires approval by the school's board of trustees to become official, with trustees scheduling an emergency meeting for Tuesday to “consider a personnel matter. ” The school also said Monday that it would hold a news conference for its next coach on Wednesday.
Gainey would replace Will Wade, who lasted just one season in Raleigh before leaving for a second stint at LSU . Gainey, 49, served as the Volunteers' associate head coach under Rick Barnes since the 2022-23 season, when he also took over as the team's defensive coordinator. Defense was a key piece of Tennessee's run to the Elite Eight for three straight seasons, with the Volunteers ranking third, third and 14th in KenPom's adjusted defensive efficiency metrics.
Gainey started his coaching career at N. C. State as an administrative coordinator and later as director of basketball operations.
The Wolfpack guard from 1996-2000 under Herb Sendek also was an assistant at Marquette, Arizona, Santa Clara, Appalachian State and Elon. Set to become a first-time head coach, Gainey is from High Point and played high school ball in Greensboro, a little more than an hour west of the N. C.