Will Wade is the head coach of the McNeese State University men’s basketball team. In his first season (2023–2024), he led the Cowboys to both the Southland Conference regular-season and tournament championships, marking the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance in 22 years.
In March 2025, McNeese drew Clemson in the NCAA Tournament’s first round. Wade, a Clemson alumnus, expressed his commitment to McNeese despite his ties to Clemson.
Prior to McNeese, Wade coached at Chattanooga, VCU, and LSU. At LSU, he led the team to four NCAA Tournament appearances over five years. However, in 2022, he was dismissed amid a federal investigation into illegal payments to players. Wade has acknowledged the negative impact of the probe, stating it “ruined a lot of people’s lives.”
In February 2024, Wade signed a five-year contract with McNeese, reportedly worth $700,000 annually plus incentives.
As of March 2025, Wade is considered a leading candidate for the head coach position at NC State. Reports indicate that NC State’s athletic director, Boo Corrigan, is actively pursuing him. However, Wade’s ongoing NCAA show-cause penalty, resulting from his tenure at LSU, is set to expire soon and may influence his coaching prospects.
For a closer look at Will Wade’s impact on McNeese State’s basketball program, you might find this video insightful: