Saoirse Downs
Will Wade is an American college basketball coach who has previously served as the head coach of the VCU Rams men's basketball team from 2015 to 2017. During his time at VCU, Wade led the team to a 51-20 record and two NCAA Tournament appearances in 2015-2016 and 2016-2017. In 2016, the Rams advanced to the second round of the tournament, defeating seventh-seed Oregon State before being eliminated by Oklahoma. Wade's tenure at VCU was also marked by his recruitment of four top non-power five classes, which contributed to the team's success during his time as head coach.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Frank Williams Wade |
| Date of Birth | 26 November 1982 |
| Alma Mater | Clemson, 2005 |
| Role at VCU | Assistant Coach (2009-2013), Head Coach (2015-2017) |
| VCU Win-Loss Record | 51-20 |
| NCAA Tournament Appearances with VCU | 2 |
| NCAA Tournament Results | Second Round (2016), First Round (2017) |
| Post-VCU Roles | Head Coach at LSU (2017-2022), Head Coach at McNeese State University (2023-2025), Head Coach at NC State University (2025-present) |
| Notable Achievements/Incidents | Southern Conference Coach of the Year (2014), NCAA Level I Violations (2022) |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Will Wade's career before VCU
Will Wade began his career in basketball in 2002 as the student manager of the Clemson men's basketball team, a position he held until 2005. During this time, he worked under head coaches Larry Shyatt and Oliver Purnell, who gave him further opportunities as a graduate assistant (2005–2006) and Director of Basketball Operations (2006–2007).
In 2007, Tommy Amaker brought Wade on as his first hire as Harvard men's basketball coach. Wade was responsible for helping to recruit a top 25 class for the program during his two seasons at Harvard.
After leaving Harvard in 2009, Wade moved to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) as an assistant to head coach Shaka Smart. This marked the beginning of his association with VCU before becoming the head coach in 2015.
Be a Basketball Star: Secrets to High School Success
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Will Wade's time as VCU head coach
Will Wade's time as the head coach of VCU's men's basketball team lasted from 2015 to 2017. He was previously an assistant coach at VCU under Shaka Smart from 2009 to 2013. During his time as an assistant coach, VCU had a successful record of 113-37, reached three NCAA Tournaments, and won the 2012 Colonial Athletic Association Championship.
In 2013, Wade left VCU to become the head coach at Chattanooga for two seasons. He led the Mocs to their first 20+ win season in 10 years and was named the Southern Conference's 2014 Coach of the Year. After his stint at Chattanooga, Wade returned to VCU as the head coach, replacing Shaka Smart.
In his first season back at VCU, Wade guided the team to its first Atlantic 10 Conference regular-season championship and a 25-11 overall record. The Rams also made their sixth straight NCAA Tournament appearance, advancing to the round of 32 before falling to Oklahoma. During Wade's two-year tenure as head coach, VCU had a record of 51-20 and made two NCAA Tournament appearances in 2015-2016 and 2016-2017.
Wade left VCU in 2017 to become the head coach at LSU, where he faced controversies and was eventually fired in 2022 due to allegations of recruiting violations. Despite the controversies, Wade had a successful coaching record at LSU, leading the Tigers to multiple NCAA Tournaments and a Southeastern Conference regular-season championship in 2019.
Using the Basketball Playbook App: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Will Wade's departure from VCU
Wade first joined VCU as an assistant coach in 2009. In his four years as an assistant, VCU had a 111-37 record and made three straight trips to the NCAA Tournament. In 2013, Wade left VCU to take up the head coach position at Chattanooga, where he remained for two seasons.
In 2015, Wade returned to VCU as head coach, replacing Shaka Smart, who had been his entry point into the university as an assistant. In his first season back, Wade guided the team to its first Atlantic 10 Conference regular-season championship and a 25-11 overall record. They also made their sixth straight NCAA tournament appearance.
On March 21, 2017, after two seasons as VCU's head coach, Wade accepted an offer to become the head coach at Louisiana State University (LSU). During his time at LSU, Wade was temporarily suspended amid an FBI probe into alleged recruiting violations. He was reinstated after agreeing to significant modifications to his contract, which included the forfeiture of $250,000 in bonuses.
Wade was ultimately terminated as LSU coach on March 12, 2022, after the NCAA formally served a notice of allegations based on the investigations into the reported violations. Following his departure from LSU, Wade was hired as the head coach at McNeese State University in 2023, and he currently serves as the head men's basketball coach at North Carolina State University.
Unbelievable Heaves: Longest Basketball Shots Ever
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Will Wade's LSU tenure and violations
Will Wade was the head coach of the LSU Tigers men's basketball team. Nearly his entire tenure at LSU, from 2017 to 2022, was marked by an NCAA investigation that became public in September 2017.
In March 2022, Wade was fired from his position as LSU's head basketball coach after the NCAA charged the program with multiple major violations. The NCAA's Independent Accountability Resolution Process charged Wade with at least six Level 1 violations and two Level 2 violations. Level 1 violations are considered a severe breach of conduct and seriously undermine the integrity of the NCAA collegiate model. They include a lack of institutional control, substantial or extensive recruiting advantages, major competitive advantages, impermissible benefits, academic misconduct, unethical or dishonest conduct, and cash payments or benefits given to recruits. Level 2 violations provide recruiting, competitive, and impermissible benefits but are more minimal in nature and are not considered as severe.
Wade was specifically accused of violating the NCAA's principles of ethical conduct and failing to cooperate with the investigation. He was also accused of making payments to the ex-fiancée of a former player to prevent the disclosure of potential violations. Additionally, Wade was accused of providing impermissible recruiting inducements in the form of cash payments, a job offer, lodging, impermissible academic assistance, a scholarship, and assistance securing visas to a prospective player and/or their family members.
Wade's contract, which was amended in 2019 after he was reinstated from suspension when the investigation began, included provisions that allowed LSU to fire him for cause if he committed Level 1 or Level 2 violations. As a result of the violations, Wade received a two-year show-cause penalty and a 10-game suspension from the NCAA's Independent Resolution Panel. He was also unable to perform any off-campus recruiting activities during the April and summer evaluation periods through June 2025.
UConn Women's Basketball: All-Time Leading Scorers
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Will Wade's career after LSU
Prior to his time at LSU, Wade had established himself as a prominent college basketball coach. He began his career as the student manager for the Clemson men's basketball team from 2002 to 2005, working his way up to graduate assistant and Director of Basketball Operations. He then moved to Harvard as an assistant coach for the 2007-2009 seasons, where he successfully recruited a top 25 class. Wade's talents were quickly recognized, and he was hired as an assistant coach at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) under head coach Shaka Smart.
Wade's tenure at LSU, from 2017 to 2022, was marked by success on the court but also by allegations of recruiting violations. During his five seasons with the LSU Tigers, the team consistently won, advancing to four post-season tournaments and achieving a top 20 NET rating in 2021-2022. However, Wade's time at LSU was also marred by an ongoing federal investigation into alleged recruiting violations, which ultimately led to his termination in March 2022.
Despite the controversies at LSU, Wade's coaching abilities and tactical acumen have been recognized, and he continues to pursue his passion for basketball, currently serving as the head coach at McNeese State University.
Clock Management: Girls' Basketball Halftime Duration
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Will Wade is an American college basketball coach. He is currently the head men's basketball coach at North Carolina State University.
Wade started his coaching career as a graduate assistant and director of basketball operations at Clemson from 2005 to 2007. He then moved to Harvard as an assistant coach from 2007 to 2009. He later joined VCU as an assistant coach from 2009 to 2013 before becoming the head coach at Chattanooga for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons. He returned to VCU as the head coach from 2015 to 2017 and then coached at LSU from 2017 to 2022. After a stint at McNeese State University, he took up the head coach position at North Carolina State University in 2025.
During his time at VCU, Wade guided the team to a 51-20 record and two NCAA Tournament appearances in 2015-2016 and 2016-2017. The Rams advanced to the second round of the tournament in 2016, defeating seventh-seed Oregon State. VCU also made it to the championship game of the A10 conference tournament and earned a share of the Atlantic 10 Conference regular-season crown.
Will Wade was fired from his position as the head coach of LSU's men's basketball team in 2022 due to accusations of five Level I NCAA violations and one Level II violation. The allegations involved recruiting violations and improper payments to players.
Will Wade was named the Southland Conference Coach of the Year, Louisiana Coach of the Year, and NABC District 22 Coach of the Year in 2024 for his achievements at McNeese State University. He led the Cowboys to back-to-back Southland Conference regular-season and tournament championships and compiled a 50-9 record.
