Amanda Knapp
Will Wade is an American college basketball coach who served as the head men's basketball coach at LSU from 2017 to 2022. During his five-year tenure, Wade led the Tigers to consistent winning seasons, including an SEC regular-season championship in 2019 and four post-season tournament appearances. However, his time at LSU was also marked by allegations of recruiting and bribery violations, which ultimately led to his suspension and termination in 2022. Despite the controversy, Wade has gone on to coach at McNeese State University and North Carolina State University, where he aims to rebuild his career and reputation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Frank Williams Wade |
| Birthdate | November 26, 1982 |
| Hometown | Nashville, Tennessee |
| High School | Franklin Road Academy |
| College | Clemson, 2005 |
| Wife | Lauren Deason |
| Child | Caroline Elizabeth |
| Seasons Completed at LSU | Five |
| LSU Record | 105-51 (196 career wins) |
| SEC Record | 55-33 |
| NCAA Tournament Appearances | 2019, 2021, 2022 |
| Post-Season Tournament Appearances | Four |
| SEC Tournament Championship Game Appearances | 1993, 2021 |
| Regular Season SEC Championships | 2019 |
| NCAA Violations | Five Level I, One Level II |
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What You'll Learn
Will Wade's LSU basketball coaching record
Will Wade's five-year tenure as the LSU Tigers' head coach was marked by consistent winning records and a resurgence in interest in the LSU basketball program. Wade's overall record at LSU was 105-51, with 196 career wins across his nine years as a head coach. He finished 55-33 in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), making him the fourth-winningest coach in LSU Basketball history.
Wade's time at LSU was highlighted by the Tigers' success in the 2018-19 season, where they won their first five SEC games in a row and claimed victories over top 5 opponents Kentucky and Tennessee. The Tigers went on to win the Southeastern Conference regular season championship, their first SEC title in 10 years. They also advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, reaching the Sweet 16.
During Wade's tenure, the LSU Tigers advanced to four post-season tournaments, including three consecutive NCAA Tournaments from 2019 to 2022. They also made an appearance in the SEC Tournament championship game in 2021, their first since 1993. In his final season as head coach, Wade led the Tigers to an 8-seed in the 2021 NCAA Tournament.
However, Wade's time at LSU was also marred by allegations of recruiting violations and bribery. In 2019, he was suspended for the NCAA Tournaments after reports of a federal wiretap revealed him discussing a "strong-ass offer" for a recruit. In 2022, he was fired by LSU amid an ongoing investigation into numerous alleged recruiting violations. Despite the allegations, Wade's impact on the LSU basketball program was significant, leaving a legacy of winning records and renewed interest in the team.
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Will Wade's LSU Tigers achievements
Will Wade's five-year tenure as the LSU Tigers' head coach is notable for consistent winning and a return to prominence for the basketball program. During his time in Baton Rouge, the Tigers achieved a number of impressive feats, including:
- Winning a Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular-season championship in 2019.
- Advancing to four post-season tournaments, including consecutive NCAA Tournaments in 2019, 2021 and 2022.
- Advancing to an SEC Tournament championship game for the first time since 1993.
- Winning 48 regular-season SEC games in the last four seasons (2019-22), tied for the second most of any team over that period.
- Winning 20 or more games in three of the five seasons at LSU and finishing with a record of 105-51 (or 108-54, according to another source).
- Producing exciting, high-scoring basketball, averaging 80.5 points per game in successful seasons.
- Advancing to the Sweet 16 in the 2019 NCAA Championship, the second round in 2021, and a tournament appearance in 2022.
- Putting together a team that posted a 16-2 record in the Southeastern Conference in 2019, winning the 11th regular-season title in school history.
- Winning their first five SEC games in a row during the 2018-19 season, the first LSU team to do so since 2005-06.
- Claiming two victories over top-5 opponents (Kentucky and Tennessee) in the 2018-19 season, the first LSU team to do so since 1980.
Wade's time at LSU was also marked by an ongoing federal investigation into alleged recruiting violations, which ultimately led to his suspension and termination in 2022. Despite this, Wade's tenure at LSU is remembered for his ability to build a successful and stable program, achieving many of the goals he set out to accomplish when he was named head coach in 2017.
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Will Wade's LSU contract
Will Wade was the head basketball coach at LSU until March 2022, when he was fired after receiving a Notice of Allegations from the NCAA. The notice included multiple Level 1 violations tied to Wade, which allowed LSU to terminate his contract without penalty.
Wade's original contract with LSU was for six years, with a total value of $15 million. He was to be paid $2.5 million per year, including a base salary of $400,000 and $2.1 million in supplemental compensation. Additionally, Wade could receive up to $850,000 in incentives each year, including bonuses for winning the SEC Tournament ($50,000), appearing in the NCAA Tournament ($100,000), and reaching the Final Four ($100,000). If Wade was still with LSU on June 30, 2022, he would also receive a $1 million retention bonus.
However, in April 2019, Wade was suspended amid an FBI probe into possible illegal benefits offered to recruits. As part of his reinstatement, he agreed to multiple amendments to his contract, including waiving his 2018-19 performance bonuses and accepting termination if any Level I or Level II NCAA violations were discovered. He also agreed not to sue the school if he was fired over NCAA violations.
Despite these amendments, Wade was ultimately fired by LSU in March 2022 after receiving the Notice of Allegations. It is unclear if he received any of the remaining money on his contract, as some sources indicate that LSU was not expected to pay out the remainder of his deal.
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Will Wade's LSU exit
Will Wade's exit from LSU was a result of multiple rules violations, including recruiting and bribery violations, that came to light through a federal investigation. The independent infractions panel, formed in response to a Condoleezza Rice-led commission on college basketball, found Wade guilty of three Level I violations and one Level II violation. These violations are considered a severe breach of conduct.
Wade was initially suspended indefinitely in March 2019 when reports of him discussing a "strong-ass offer" to a recruit were revealed through a Federal Bureau of Investigation wiretap. He was reinstated in April 2019 after agreeing to significant modifications to his contract, which included the forfeiture of $250,000 in bonuses and allowed LSU to terminate him for Level I or Level II violations.
Wade led the LSU Tigers to notable success during his tenure, including winning their first five SEC games in a row during the 2018-19 season and claiming two victories over top 5 opponents. They also won the Southeastern Conference regular-season championship in 2019 and advanced to four post-season tournaments.
However, the ongoing investigation into Wade's conduct resulted in his termination as LSU's coach on March 12, 2022, just days before the NCAA tournament. He was replaced by interim coach Kevin Nickelberry. Wade's dismissal highlighted the university's commitment to protecting the integrity of the institution and its student-athletes.
Following his exit from LSU, Wade was hired by McNeese State University in March 2023, where he led the team to success before leaving for North Carolina State University in 2025.
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Will Wade's LSU players
Will Wade's five-year tenure at LSU was marked by consistent winning streaks and a resurgence of interest in the university's basketball program. During his time as head coach, Wade's Tigers won a Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular season championship in 2019, advancing to four post-season tournaments, including consecutive NCAA tournaments from 2019 to 2022.
Wade's players achieved notable successes under his guidance. In the 2018-19 season, the Tigers won their first five SEC games in a row, a feat not accomplished since the 2005-06 season. They also secured victories over top-ranked opponents Kentucky and Tennessee, making LSU the first team since 1980 to defeat two top-five rivals. The Tigers went on to win 16 league games, showcasing their prowess on the court.
One of Wade's standout players was Skylar Mays, who had a remarkable four-year career with the Tigers. In his final season, Mays averaged 16.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. Over his entire LSU career, Mays accumulated 1,600 points, 450 rebounds, 350 assists, and 200 steals, solidifying his place as a first-team All-SEC selection. Additionally, Mays excelled academically, earning the College Sports Information Director Association of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-America honour in 2020 and being named the CoSIDA Academic All-America of the Year for Division 1 men's basketball.
Another notable player under Wade's guidance was Tari Eason, who was named the Sixth Man of the Year in the league and secured a spot on the first-team All-SEC in 2021-22. Darius Days also had a stellar four-year run with the Tigers, capping off his career as one of only three players in school history to achieve 1,300 points, 800 rebounds, and 125 steals.
Tragedy struck the team in 2018 with the death of Junior Wayde Sims, just before the start of the 2018-19 season. The team dedicated the season to Sims and his family, including his father, former Tiger player Wayne Sims. Despite this loss, the Tigers persevered, winning four overtime games and securing a perfect 9-0 record on the road in the league.
Wade's time at LSU ended in March 2022, when he was fired amidst accusations of recruiting violations and impermissible payments. However, his impact on the LSU basketball program and the success of his players during his tenure are undeniable.
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Frequently asked questions
Will Wade was the head coach of the LSU Tigers basketball team from 2017 to 2022. During his five-year tenure, the team achieved consistent winning records, advanced to several post-season tournaments, and played an exciting brand of basketball. Wade's Tigers won the 2019 Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular season championship and made it to the Sweet 16 in the 2019 NCAA Championship.
Will Wade was fired by LSU in 2022 amid accusations of recruiting violations and significant misconduct. An NCAA investigation revealed text messages and a federal wiretap that indicated Wade had discussed improper payments to recruits and their families. Wade was suspended during the 2019 NCAA Tournament due to these allegations but was reinstated later that year.
After his dismissal from LSU, Will Wade faced a period of scrutiny and served a 10-game NCAA suspension. He then returned to coaching, taking over as the head coach at McNeese State University (2023-2025) and leading them to their first NCAA tournament win. In 2025, Wade signed a six-year contract to become the head coach at NC State University.
