A Will Wade-LSU reunion was ‘in the works’ for months, and everyone but NC State saw it coming

Key Points:

• Will Wade, after one season as NC State's head basketball coach, is returning to LSU with a seven-year contract and a salary increase to $4 million, reuniting with LSU's new president and athletic director from his McNeese days.
• Wade's departure from NC State came via email and social media, leaving the Wolfpack with a 20-14 record and a $4 million buyout, which NC State accepted to expedite the coaching change.
• LSU is investing heavily in athletics, following high-profile hires like Lane Kiffin in football, and is committing $12-15 million in player payroll for basketball, despite recent criticism over spending by Louisiana's governor.
• The move was anticipated behind the scenes for months, with LSU interested in Wade since last year, but financial and administrative changes, including the hiring of former McNeese officials at LSU, facilitated his return.
• NC State athletic director Boo Corrigan expressed disappointment over Wade's sudden exit, stating the program did not want to be a stepping stone, while Wade sought contract improvements that NC State declined to negotiate.