The coach who led NC State to its first ACC title in 37 years is now parting ways with the program. Not long ago, Kevin Keatts was at the peak of NC State basketball, guiding the Wolfpack to their first Final Four appearance since 1983. However, just a season later, everything changed. The highs quickly turned into lows, and now NC State has decided to move on from Keatts, triggering a $7.8 million buyout.
With Keatts out, the Wolfpack are actively searching for his successor. Two early candidates have emerged: Will Wade and Justin Gainey. Wade recently found success with McNeese State, while Gainey, a former NC State player, brings years of coaching experience.
During an episode of Field of 68: After Dark, Rob Dauster asked Jeff Goodman about Wade’s chances of landing the job. “There’s been movement toward Will Wade being the guy for NC State. Do you have any insight into that?”
Goodman responded, “Yes, they met yesterday. According to my sources, discussions took place, but the key factor is whether Texas acts quickly on Rodney Terry and if they’re keeping Will Wade as a backup option. Wade knows this is a crucial opportunity, and I believe NC State is a job he wants. He fits the fan base better than anyone—they’d love his underdog mentality as he takes on Duke and Carolina.”
Wade’s track record speaks volumes. Before his arrival, McNeese State was in decline, but within a year, he led them to back-to-back Southland Conference titles and consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Prior to Wade, McNeese hadn’t had a winning season in over a decade. Under his leadership, the Cowboys went an impressive 55-10 in two seasons. If NC State is looking for a quick turnaround, Wade could be the right choice.
However, hiring Wade comes with its challenges. He is known for his intense coaching style and can be demanding on his players. Yet, behind the scenes, he works to earn their trust. The real question is whether NC State, operating on a tight budget, can afford to take such a bold step.
Kevin Keatts: A costly goodbye for NC State
Keatts’ contract extension played a significant role in the financial situation NC State now faces. As USA Today’s Steve Berkowitz explained, Keatts’ deal was automatically extended through April 15, 2030, after the Wolfpack’s ACC Tournament victory last season. As a result, NC State is now responsible for a buyout of approximately $7.8 million, though that amount could be reduced based on Keatts’ future earnings and the school’s ability to offset the cost.
NC State won’t be paying Kevin Keatts’ buyout in a lump sum. Instead, the school will make installment payments over the remaining duration of his original contract. USA Today confirmed this, stating, “Keatts will be owed a buyout of about $7.8 million, which will be paid over the remainder of his contract term.”
However, there is a potential financial break for the Wolfpack. The severance pay includes a “duty to mitigate” clause, meaning that if Keatts secures another coaching job before his contract period ends, NC State’s financial obligation could be reduced. As one source explained, “If he were to get another coaching job before then, NC State would get some of its obligation offset by whatever he would earn from a new coaching position.”
Keatts leaves NC State with a 151-113 overall record and a 69-84 mark in ACC play. His tenure had its ups and downs, but he managed to bring the program back into the national conversation. Now, as the Wolfpack transition to new leadership—at a steep cost—they’ll be hoping the next head coach can build long-term success.
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