What Will Wade, NC State officials said after Wade’s decision to leave for LSU
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Boo Corrigan expressed repeated disappointment after Wade’s resignation.
- N.C. State settled Wade’s buyout at $4 million and began a new coach search.
- Senior administrators will support players through training amid expected roster moves.
N.C. State athletic director Boo Corrigan is disappointed.
That was his word of the day during Thursday afternoon’s press conference, following Will Wade’s resignation as the Wolfpack men’s basketball coach after one season. He used it seven times.
Corrigan said he’s disappointed that it didn’t work out. He’s disappointed the coach N.C. State hired last year, based on trust, accountability and change, did not ultimately meet the standard set by the athletic department. Corrigan is disappointed in the actions, or lack of actions, taken in what has amounted to a messy, public divorce.
“I’m disappointed by how it went down. I really am,” Corrigan said. “That’s the word. Just really disappointed, because you pour into people, and you do those things. Most of the student deals are one-year deals, and the ability to go from school-to-school, year-over-year contractually is a lot easier than it is with a coach in this situation.”
Corrigan said he was aware of the rumors regarding Wade and a potential return to LSU. Based on Wade’s public statements and their private conversations, Corrigan said he did not have any reason to doubt Wade.
The two met Tuesday night for two hours, Corrigan said, to discuss every facet of the program. That meeting included funding, players, staff and scheduling. Corrigan believed Wade wanted to be at N.C. State and build the program back to national prominence.
“I was as surprised and shocked as anyone else as this occurred based on the previous conversations that we had had,” Corrigan said. “I believed he was telling me his true intentions.”
Corrigan said he is also disappointed for not only the athletic department and university, but the fans who feel betrayed.
“I would commiserate with (the fans) in terms of feeling lied to,” Corrigan said. “It’s something that I didn’t know anything about and I’m as surprised as they are about what’s going on, but reassure them that we’re going to find a coach that wants to be at N.C. State.”
A brief timeline of Wade’s departure
Corrigan said things evolved quickly. The two met on Tuesday night and he received Wade’s resignation — in the form of an email — on Thursday morning. The letter was sent from Wade’s agent, not from Wade himself. Corrigan said he has not spoken to Wade since roughly 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Additionally, Corrigan called himself a “handshake guy” who would’ve preferred to have personal interaction with Wade regarding the departure or any other concerns the now-former head coach had.
“Yeah, it would have meant more to me, but I’m kind of a dinosaur in some respects,” Corrigan said. “For what’s going on today, and maybe [the email] is the most efficient way to do it, or however he wanted to handle that.”
There was reportedly a meeting scheduled between Wade and N.C. State stakeholders in the last 24-36 hours that Wade did not attend. Corrigan confirmed Wade “no showed.”
“We did have other meetings,” he clarified. “I don’t want to say that. There were other phone calls and there were other face-to-face meetings. There was also one that was missed.”
Corrigan said the department waited to hold a press conference, which he said was important to end the brief Will Wade “era,” until the university knew how things were going to move forward.
Wade’s buyout was $5 million prior to April 1, when it would have dropped to $3 million. The university settled with a $4 million buyout to allow both parties to move forward.
Corrigan does not regret hiring Wade, citing the excitement surrounding Wolfpack men’s basketball and the improvement it made in Year 1. He believed the program was moving in a positive direction.
“I guess, again, I’m disappointed that it ended the way that it did more than I am wishing it never happened,” Corrigan said.
The university has already begun searching for a new head coach. Corrigan said the process began when he received Wade’s resignation letter — not before — and has already received interest from multiple people. There is no exact timeline, but the school hopes to have a new hire by the time the transfer portal opens next month.
Senior administrators are in place to help remaining student-athletes continue training, workouts and rehabilitation during the interim period.
“There’s gonna be a lot of movement with the team, and we want to make sure the ones that are here, that are committed N.C. State know that commitment is from us, as well,” Corrigan said. “Whatever decision they make at that point, it’s going to be up to them and whoever we hire.”
Will Wade’s statement
Will Wade posted his first comments about his decision to X, formerly known as Twitter, just after 1 p.m.
Here is his statement:
“I want to take a moment to sincerely thank North Carolina State University, Athletic Director Boo Corrigan, and the entire administration for the opportunity to be part of something special.
“From day one, everything that was promised to me and my staff was delivered — and then some. From the operational support, to the quality of people in the building, to the resources and facilities — we were given every tool needed to compete at the highest level. That kind of commitment is rare, and it speaks volumes about the leadership and vision here at N.C. State.
“I also want to specifically acknowledge Boo Corrigan’s leadership. He is thoughtful, decisive, and deeply committed to doing things the right way. N.C. State is in very good hands with him leading the department, and I have no doubt the program will continue to thrive under his guidance.
“This was not an easy decision, because of how much respect and appreciation I have for this program and this university. But the opportunity to return to Louisiana State University is deeply personal. It’s a chance to go home — to a place that means a great deal to me and my family.
“I’ll always be grateful for my time here, the relationships we built, and the foundation we helped strengthen. N.C. State is positioned for continued success, and I’ll be cheering them on moving forward.”
This story was originally published March 26, 2026 at 4:20 PM.
