In a whirlwind of events, Wade's tenure with the Wolfpack has come to an abrupt end after just one season. The sentiment from Athletic Director Corrigan was clear: disappointment.
“Right? Probably more than anything else,” he expressed, reflecting on the brief time spent building relationships with Wade and his staff.
Back in April 2025, Wade inked a six-year, $17.25 million deal with NC State. However, the Wolfpack have now agreed to a $4 million buyout, setting the stage for a fresh coaching search.
“Today, do I wish it were a bigger buyout? Absolutely,” Corrigan admitted, noting the balance of negotiation dynamics, especially considering the $2.5 million salary Wade commanded compared to less experienced coaches.
Corrigan opened up about the challenges of his role, emphasizing the focus on others over personal ambitions. “These jobs aren’t easy,” he said.
“I’m not complaining. I love what I do for a living, right?
But at times, you’re pouring into other people.”
According to CBS Sports, Wade had approached NC State seeking a significant boost in staff salary pool and NIL resources to stay competitive in the ACC. With around $9 million in roster-building resources last season, NC State found itself unable or unwilling to meet these demands.
Corrigan highlighted the efforts made to support the coaching staff. “Your staff spends a lot of time making sure people have the resources that they need,” he noted, emphasizing a commitment to saying “yes” whenever possible.
Despite the setback, Corrigan believed Wade could have been a long-term fixture, cultivating a successful culture at NC State. “[This is] something I’d commiserate with [NC State NIL donors] in terms of feeling lied to,” he shared, expressing surprise at the turn of events. However, he reassured donors of a renewed search for a coach committed to the program’s future.
With plenty of interest from candidates, Corrigan remains optimistic, leveraging contacts from previous searches to find the right fit for NC State. The next chapter for the Wolfpack is poised to begin, with hopes of finding a leader ready to embrace the challenge and opportunity.