Louisiana State University is making a major change to its basketball program. The Tigers have reportedly fired head coach Will Wade, despite the team’s 22-11 finish to the 2021-22 season that should warrant an invite to the Big Dance.
Trusted college basketball insider Jon Rothstein has the latest on the shocking development out of LSU:
“Sources: LSU has parted ways with Will Wade,” Rothstein tweets. “Kevin Nickelberry will be the interim head coach.”
Sources: LSU has parted ways with Will Wade.
Kevin Nickelberry will be the interim head coach.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 12, 2022
Just yesterday, the LSU men’s basketball team lost to Arkansas 79-67 in the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament. However, it’s unlikely Will Wade lost his job because of the single loss, especially since the Tigers are just a day away from probably getting an invite to the Big Dance.
LSU basketball received a ‘Notice of Allegations’ on Wednesday. Wade was unwilling to comment on whether or not it would impact his future with the program when asked about it.
“I can’t comment on any of that — on any of that stuff, so we haven’t been able to comment on it since everything started,” he said, via the Daily Advertiser. “I certainly look forward to commenting when it’s all over, but until then, they won’t allow us to comment.”
Wade’s recruiting practices have always been cause for concern. He was caught on federal wiretap making an offer to a recruit back in 2017. Despite significant pushback, Wade was unwilling to meet with LSU or NCAA officials to discuss recruiting malpractice in Mar. of 2019. He was suspended, but reinstated in Apr. of 2019 under the stipulation that LSU could fire him for cause if he was investigated for Level 1 or 2 NCAA violations.
Wade’s days at Louisiana State University have come to an end. It’s absolutely brutal timing for a Tigers team awaiting its tourney fate.
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