The NCAA Tournament officially kicks off on Thursday as the last two games of the "First Four" conclude on Wednesday Night. While the NCAA Tournament is the top priority for the coaches and the players, many would be lying if they said they also weren't looking elsewhere. As the transfer portal is set to open on Monday and the coaching carosel in full effect, it's hard for many to keep their eye on the prize.
That sentiment may be the most true for Ex LSU Head Coach Will Wade who has the McNeese State Cowboys in the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season. Wade is serving the end of his two-year show cause penalty and as the penalties come to an end he's set to return to big time college basketball
The program that has seemed the most interested in Will Wade is NC State after firing Kevin Keatts a year after the Wolfpack's run to the Final Four. On Wednesday, Will Wade was asked about whether he's been in contact with NC State and he made it as clear as possible he has had talks about the job.
Will Wade on rumors of other schools contacting him: “I lay it all out there to my players, and my players have laid it all out there to me. We are transparent. We’ve shared it all with each other.”
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) March 19, 2025
On if he’s talked with NC State about their head coaching vacancy: “Yes.” pic.twitter.com/Ac9w53zaf7
While McNeese State may wish that Will Wade held off talks until the Cowboys' season came to a close, everyone should appreciate his honesty. In a world where a coach plans to stay at a program for a long time until everyone finds out online he's accepting a job elsewhere, Wade's candidness is a breath of fresh air.
As Will Wade considers what's next for his career, he's giving his coaching staff and his players the same opportunity. Most coaches will say they're staying until their plane touches down in the next town blindsiding their past school. It'll be interesting to see where Will Wade lands next but, if the past has taught us anything it is that success will follow.