Potential Candidates to Replace Will Wade for the Wolfpack

Will Wade’s sudden departure from NC State has left the program scrambling. The move forces the Wolfpack into back-to-back coaching searches.

The last time both North Carolina and NC State sought coaches simultaneously was 1946. Two players remain committed for next season. Four-star wing Cole Cloer is a Hillsborough native. Four-star center Trevon Carter-Givens has also pledged to the program.

The transfer portal opens April 7. Much of this year’s roster arrived via transfers. That list includes Darrion Williams, Quadir Copeland, Tre Holloman, Ven-Allen Lubin, and Terrance Arceneaux.

The next coach could inherit a major rebuild. Several assistants or mid-major leaders are under consideration. Here are the leading options to replace Will Wade at NC State.

Coaching options under consideration

Justin Gainey (Tennessee)

Gainey is an associate head coach with Tennessee. He played point guard for NC State earlier in his career.

He helped Tennessee reach the Sweet 16 three seasons straight. Gainey, 49, has no head-coaching resume. He was promoted to associate head coach in 2022. His background includes stops at Marquette, Arizona, Santa Clara, Appalachian State, and Elon. He hails from High Point and attended Greensboro Day School.

Josh Schertz (Saint Louis)

Schertz built a dominant Division II program at Lincoln Memorial. He posted a 337-69 record over 13 seasons there.

He earned Missouri Valley Coach of the Year honors in 2024 at Indiana State. Schertz has ties to North Carolina through prior assistant roles at High Point and Queens. Saint Louis recently won an NCAA Tournament first-round game as a nine seed. Schertz said he is content in his current role.

Archie Miller (Rhode Island)

Miller is the current Rhode Island head coach. His Rams record stands at 55-71.

Miller played point guard at NC State from 1998 to 2002. He was also an assistant at NC State from 2004 to 2006. His best run came at Dayton, with two Atlantic 10 regular-season crowns and a 2017 coach of the year award. Miller took the Indiana job in 2017 and finished 67-56 over four seasons. He never reached the NCAA Tournament there and was dismissed in 2021.

Flynn Clayman (High Point)

Clayman emerged after High Point upset Wisconsin in the NCAA first round. The Panthers went 31-5 this season and finished 15-1 in the Big South.

He was promoted after serving as associate head coach. Clayman is 37 and has overseen High Point’s consecutive tournament appearances.

Mike White (Georgia)

White led Georgia to an NCAA Tournament berth this season. The Bulldogs lost in the first round to Saint Louis.

He is reported to have a relationship with athletic director Boo Corrigan. White was linked to NC State’s 2025 search following Kevin Keatts’ resignation.

Outlook and timeline

Who follows Wade to LSU could shape the Wolfpack’s roster decisions. Incoming staff may opt to retain or replace current players. The April 7 portal opening will accelerate choices for recruits and transfers.

Filmogaz.com will monitor developments as the search progresses. Expect rapid movement once NC State names its next coach.