Home / Sports / N.C. State Taps Former Player Justin Gainey as New Coach
N.C. State Taps Former Player Justin Gainey as New Coach
31 Mar
Summary
- Justin Gainey, a former N.C. State player, is reportedly hired as head coach.
- Gainey joins from Tennessee, where he was associate head coach for three seasons.
- He previously served in administrative roles within the N.C. State program.
N.C. State is reportedly finalizing the hiring of Justin Gainey as its new men's basketball coach. Gainey, a native of High Point, North Carolina, has strong ties to the Wolfpack program, having played for them from 1996 to 2000 and later serving in administrative roles from 2006 to 2009.
Most recently, Gainey was the associate head coach at the University of Tennessee under Rick Barnes. During his time with the Volunteers, the team compiled a 134-48 record and reached the Elite Eight in each of the last three seasons, also winning the SEC in 2023-24. Gainey's coaching journey also includes stops at Elon, Appalachian State, Santa Clara, Arizona, and Marquette.
Gainey replaces Will Wade, who departed after one season in which the Wolfpack finished 20-14 and made an NCAA Tournament appearance. His selection signals a return to a familiar figure for the N.C. State community.
