Report: NC State reaches deal with Tennessee assistant and ex-Wolfpack player Justin Gainey
Justin Gainey replaces Will Wade, who lasted just one season in Raleigh before leaving for a second stint at LSU.
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.
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 to “consider a personnel matter. ” The school also said 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.