NC State legend, and fellow coach, Julius Hodge sticks up for Kevin Keatts

The Jules from Harlem is going to bat for Kevin Keatts on Twitter (X).

This comes during a time where NC State fans are divided in different camps. Some believe Keatts’ Final Four run and ACC Tournamnet championship show what he’s capable of, and at very least buys him a few years of grace with Wolfpack Nation.

Others point to the overall 8 year tenure and the fact that he was allegedly going to be let go after they lost in the ACC Tournament last year. That loss never came, and 2 banners were hung last season.

Hodge, now a coach at Lincoln College, is in the former camp and uses his influence as an all-time great to let that be known.

I’m ready to see the fanbase be grateful of the job Coach Keatts has done how about that Josh Philips?!

I’m coaching my team and a Final Four run would be a ONCE in a lifetime experience.

Now count how many you’ve experience as a 🐺 fan? BE APPRECIATIVE!!!!!🤬 https://t.co/qhHrfqFOXk

— Julius Hodge (@Follow24Hodge) January 23, 2025

Coaching isn’t easy, and Hodge, as a guy who has lived life as both a player at NC State and now a college coach is seeing that.

Personally, and some will disagree with me here, but I think Jules is right that NC State fans should be appreciative of Kevin Keatts and his Final Four run. I think he certainly deserves another year and I think he’ll get that year. I don’t think the majority of fans actually want Keatts fired. I think they want to see him adapt and adjust more than anything. The run last year has to prove something. It has to buy you something, and I think that’s what Julius is getting at here.

With that said, there are definitely changes that need be made and the fanbase has been patient in both basketball and football. They also are being asked to fund a good portion of the next generation of NC State sports. With money involved I think patience doesn’t last as long as it used to in the college sports world.