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McNeese State head basketball coach Will Wade has completely turned the program around in Year 1. The former LSU leader was run off due to a bevy of NCAA violations, but he’s revived his career with the mid-major Cowboys.
Wade was successful with in Baton Rouge, posting a 105-51 overall record while leading the Tigers to three NCAA Tournament appearances.
Unfortunately, his time in the SEC abruptly ended thanks to unsavory recruiting practices. A mix of Level I and Level II violations were his demise as he was caught inducing prospects in a sport-wide ‘pay for play’ scandal.
His viral “Strong a– offer” quip in reference to JaVonte Smart from a taped phone call was the most infamous moment of his eventual firing, but a second chance has suddenly put him back in the spotlight.
Hearing the Will Wade audio, compared to reading a quote.
Does it make a difference to you?
Via: HBO #TheScheme pic.twitter.com/7kgESLALZ5
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) April 1, 2020
McNeese State hired Wade this past offseason to turn around a team fresh off an 11-23 season. He’s done that and more in his first year.
Despite being suspended for the first five games of his tenure, a punishment stemming from his LSU transgressions, he’s completely transformed a program that hasn’t had a winning record in more than a decade.
Through 23 games, the Cowboys are 20-3 with a 9-1 mark in Southland Conference play.
He’s already reaping the fruits of his labor before his first year on the sidelines is up!
On Tuesday, it was announced he’d landed a five-year extension that comes with a sizable pay bump. His initial contract was good for five years and $1.175M – with his first season’s base salary sitting at $200,000.
Now, he’ll see that base increase three times over!
His extension comes with a $700,000 salary as McNeese does everything in its power to keep the head coach happy. Of course, they’re also prepping for the possibility of losing their leader.
Source: McNeese’s Will Wade — who’s led the Cowboys to a 20-3 start — has received a new five-year contract worth $700,000 annually.
Wade’s buyout following this season will be $1.25 million and $1 million after the 2024-25 season.
Proactive move by AD Heath Schroyer.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) February 6, 2024
That extension also came with a boost in Wade’s buyout, meaning Power Five suitors trying to lure the coach from Lake Charles, LA will have to pay up.
Now, a big-time program desperate for success likely won’t hesitate to open up its wallet, but at least McNeese State is getting out in front of things.
Any team looking to scoop Wade up this offseason will have to pay $1.25M.