Will Wade: LSU rehires controversial coach years after university fired him for recruiting violations

LSU has reportedly fired fourth-year basketball coach Matt McMahon and is finalizing an agreement to rehire Will Wade, who previously led the Tigers, from N.C. State.

A person with knowledge of the situation on Thursday confirmed the development to the Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity as neither university has made a formal announcement.

Wade’s anticipated return to Baton Rouge comes four years after his controversial dismissal from LSU. He was fired amid allegations of money-fueled recruiting violations, which emerged during a broader federal corruption investigation into college basketball.

Just two weeks prior, Wade had publicly addressed speculation about his potential return to LSU following the Wolfpack’s loss in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament. He emphasized his commitment to N.C. State, stating, “I was hired at NC State to do a job. This wasn’t going to take one year.” He also noted that the LSU position was not open at the time.

His departure from N.C. State triggers a $5 million buyout clause in his six-year contract, a figure that will drop to $3 million after April 1.

Since his initial departure from LSU, Wade successfully rebuilt his coaching career with a two-year stint at McNeese, where he amassed 50 wins and guided the team to two March Madness appearances.