LSU Vice President and Director of Athletics Verge Ausberry announced on Mar. 26 that Will Wade will return to lead the LSU men’s basketball program. Wade previously served as head coach from 2017 to 2022, and now becomes the first coach since Harry Rabenhorst to return for a second stint in this role.
Wade’s return is significant for the university, given his record of consistent winning and renewed interest in LSU basketball during his previous tenure. He replaces Matt McMahon, who led the team for four seasons.
“We are excited to welcome Will back home as the next head coach of the LSU Men’s Basketball program,” said Verge Ausberry, LSU Vice President/Director of Athletics. “As LSU fans know well, Will is a consistent winner, a diligent program-builder, and a charismatic leader with an incredible ability to connect with his student-athletes and the fan base. Not only does he bring his postseason pedigree and an energetic presence, but he is innovative and strategic at a time in college athletics that requires both. We are thrilled to have Will and his family with us in Baton Rouge again.”
Ausberry also acknowledged McMahon’s contributions: “I want to thank Matt McMahon for his dedication and contributions to LSU and the basketball program over the last four seasons. He was a tremendous ambassador for the university and cared deeply about our student-athletes and our program. We wish him and his family all the best going forward.”
During Wade’s first period at LSU, he led the Tigers to notable achievements including an SEC regular-season championship in 2019, advancement to an SEC Tournament championship game in 2021—their first since 1993—and participation in four postseason tournaments (NIT in 2018; NCAA tournaments in 2019, 2021, and 2022). In those years (2019-22), LSU won 48 regular-season SEC games—tied for second most among all teams during that span—and achieved three seasons with at least twenty wins.
Wade expressed enthusiasm about returning: “This was not an easy decision because of how much respect and appreciation I have for NC State, but the opportunity to return to Louisiana State University is deeply personal,” said Wade. “This is our chance to come home —to a place that has shaped me… The resources, commitment, and alignment at LSU makes it a place where we can build something special…”
Before coming back to Baton Rouge this year after leading programs at Chattanooga, VCU (Virginia Commonwealth University), McNeese State University—where he turned around their fortunes including two Southland Conference championships—and NC State where he guided them into NCAA tournament play last season—Wade accumulated twelve years as head coach with ten postseason appearances overall.
Looking ahead toward building on past success at one of college basketball’s storied programs,Wade said: “There’s a standard at LSU,and I’m energizedto embrace it fully.I can’t waitto get homeand getto work.”
