McNeese State Targeting Controversial Hall of Famer As Potential Will Wade Replacement

McNeese State University is actively seeking a replacement for head basketball coach Will Wade, who recently accepted the head coaching position at NC State University. Wade’s departure follows a successful tenure at McNeese, where he led the Cowboys to back-to-back Southland Conference titles and their first-ever NCAA Tournament victory. 

In their search for a new head coach, McNeese State is reportedly considering several candidates, including former West Virginia head coach Bob Huggins. Huggins, a Hall of Famer, resigned from West Virginia in 2023 following a series of controversies, including insensitive comments and a drunk-driving arrest. 

The list of potential candidates also features other notable names such as Bill Armstrong from Baylor, James Miller from Oklahoma State, Matt Woodley from Wake Forest, former Tennessee head coach Donnie Tyndall, Chase Buford from Kansas, and former NBA head coach Sam Mitchell. 

McNeese State has previously demonstrated a willingness to hire coaches with controversial pasts, as evidenced by their decision to bring in Will Wade despite his prior issues at LSU. This approach suggests the university is open to considering candidates like Huggins, who, despite past controversies, have a proven track record in coaching. 

As the search continues, McNeese State aims to find a coach capable of building upon the recent successes and maintaining the program’s upward trajectory. The university’s athletic department is expected to conduct thorough evaluations to ensure the selected candidate aligns with the institution’s values and goals.