NC State's Coaching Search Intensifies: Key Candidates Emerge
NC State is on the hunt for a new men's basketball head coach following Will Wade's departure to LSU after just one season. The Wolfpack is moving quickly, with school officials meeting top candidates over the weekend.
A plane linked to Seven Wolves LLC made strategic stops in St. Louis, Chicago, and Greenville Spartanburg Airport, indicating the school's active pursuit of potential coaches. As of Saturday afternoon, no official offer had been extended.
In St. Louis, NC State officials met with Josh Schertz, the current head coach at Saint Louis.
Schertz confirmed discussions with the Wolfpack but noted no offer was made. The plane spent around three hours in St.
Louis, suggesting in-depth talks.
Next up was a meeting in Chicago with Tennessee assistant coach Justin Gainey, a former standout player for the Wolfpack. Gainey, who has been with Tennessee since 2021, is known for his deep connection to NC State and his impressive coaching resume. As the Volunteers' associate head coach, he's been pivotal in recruiting, including landing 5-star freshman Nate Ament.
Tennessee's head coach, Rick Barnes, expressed strong support for Gainey, emphasizing his readiness for a head coaching role at any top program. Barnes praised Gainey as a skilled strategist and recruiter, highlighting his understanding of the modern NIL landscape.
Gainey's ties to NC State run deep, having played there from 1996 to 2000. His passion for the university is well-known, and he's received public endorsements from NC State legends like Torry Holt and Chris Corchiani.
Meanwhile, in Greenville, Furman's head coach Bob Richey is also a candidate of interest. Richey has built a solid program at Furman, leading them to the NCAA Tournament twice. His record since taking over in 2017 stands at an impressive 203-94.
Schertz, who recently inked a lucrative deal to stay at Saint Louis, is another strong contender. His team, a No. 9 seed, made a respectable NCAA Tournament run this year.
The Wolfpack's search is clearly in full swing, with multiple high-profile candidates in the mix. As the process unfolds, NC State fans eagerly await the announcement of a new leader to guide their beloved program into the future.