McNeese hires Will Wade as next head coach

Will Wade has been hired to be the new head coach at McNeese, the school announced on Sunday. Wade was previously the head coach at Chattanooga, VCU and LSU, getting fired with cause from the latter a year ago amidst formal NCAA allegations regarding recruiting violations. Fallout from that case – for the program and the coaches – has yet to be determined.

“I’m so excited to welcome Coach Wade, his wife Lauren and daughter Caroline to Southwest Louisiana and McNeese!” said AD Heath Schroyer. “This is a completely different job than it was three years ago. McNeese Basketball is one of the best jobs in the nation in regards to one-bid leagues. We are funded at the top of the league, have the best facility, a passionate fan base and many other built-in advantages. I will not make excuses for why we can’t win and win big. Quite frankly, there is no excuse.”

Wade has an overall record of 199-98 across the three programs, spending five years at LSU and two years each at the others. He took the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament three times, winning the SEC in 2019, and also went to two NCAA Tournaments and won an A-10 title with VCU.

The Cowboys have not been to the NCAA Tournament since 2002 and last won the Southland in 2011. Wade replaces John Aiken, who was let go earlier this week following two seasons at the helm.

credit to McNeese Athletics for the image